Share a stage with acting royalty as Sir Ian celebrates his 80th birthday
SIR Ian McKellen will celebrate turning 80 next year with a date at Bristol Old Vic as part of an 80-date tour of the UK in support of regional theatre.
The renowned actor will take his On Stage show – a collection of anecdotes and acting from across his career – to Bristol Old Vic for two nights in February.
Audience members will also get the chance to act with him on stage.
Profits from ticket sales and the star’s fee from the show will go to the theatre – with the actor saying each venue should spend the money on whatever it needs, “whether it’s painting the dressing rooms or putting in new seats or supporting youth groups”.
Speaking to the Press Association, the 79-year-old star stressed the importance of local theatre companies, saying “the more theatre there is up and down the country, on tour or locally, the happier people will be”.
Sir Ian, who was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, said watching regional theatre had given him his first taste of the stage.
He added that he saw no reason why some parts of the country should remain under-served while larger cities and London receive the best productions.
He said: “If I had had to have been dependent, when I was a boy, simply on a lot of wonderful theatre in London I would never have seen any theatre at all.I’ve never understood why if you live in Lancaster you shouldn’t have access to the best theatre going.
“I think it’s a pity if theatre becomes only something you do on high days and holidays, and spend a fortune seeing the long-running musical.
“If that’s all the theatre-going you do then you are missing out. The more theatre there is up and down the country, on tour or locally, the happier people will be. The best way an actor can support regional theatre is by going to work in it.”
Sir Ian, who was knighted in 1991, is best known for playing Shakespearean roles and as Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings film series.
He will begin his tour on January 25 next year at The Space on the Isle of Dogs.
His act will encompass his wideranging career and include anecdotes, acting and audience participation.
He said: “They will expect to see Gandalf, they will. They probably will expect Shakespeare, and there will be a lot of that. There will be other stuff which will perhaps be more surprising. There will be a chance for me to tell a story or two and it will be different perhaps in each place I go.”
» Sir Ian McKellen On Stage will tour from January 25 to September 15 next year.