Grey Street always gives me great memories
ONE of Britain’s most famous and best-loved actors will be taking to the stage in Newcastle during a big tour to mark a big birthday.
Sir Ian McKellen is to embark upon a solo trip around the UK next year to talk about his life and work in celebration of his 80th birthday.
The Lord of the Rings star will be back at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle – one of 80 venues picked for the tour – for one night only: August 18, 2019.
And proceeds from what seems set to be a sell-out show will be going to support the theatre’s creative work with young people in the region.
Sir Ian, who played Gandalf in the six Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, was last at the Grey Street theatre in 2016, when he played to packed-out audiences in No Man’s
Land, and previously he co-starred there in Waiting for Godot with Patrick Stewart.
He has chosen venues for his upcoming tour with which he has personal connections, such as with local amateur groups, and his solo show is set to be an intimate one, featuring personal anecdotes and stories about his various roles. Fans could find themselves joining him on stage too.
He said: “I’m celebrating my 80th birthday by touring a new solo show to theatres I know well and a few that I don’t.
“The show starts with Gandalf and will probably end with an invitation to act with me on stage. In between there will be anecdotes and acting.”
He added: “Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience.”
And, of his former experiences at the Newcastle theatre, he said:”My first time at the Theatre Royal was 50 years ago as Richard II, which I’ll reprise during my new solo show.
“I wanted to return not just because I have family in the area but because I have so many happy memories of playing in Grey Street.
“All profits will support the Theatre Royal’s work with young people from Newcastle and the North East.”
Philip Bernays, chief executive of the theatre, said he is delighted to be welcoming back the actor.
“Sir Ian McKellen has always been a keen and passionate supporter of what we are trying to do, not only on stage, but through our creative and development work with young people across North East region,” he said.
Tickets to see Ian McKellen on Stage, at 7.30pm on August 18, went on sale first to Friends of the Theatre Royal on Saturday.
They will go on sale to the general public this Friday.