A message from Ian McKellen:
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. I open at my local arts centre in January and end up by August in Orkney.
Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience. Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I've always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself, with the RSC, the National Theatre, Prospect Theatre, the Actors' Company, as well as with commercial productions. See you there, I hope!
The Rose is honoured to be part of Ian McKellen’s 80th birthday tour next year. All proceeds from the show will support the production of first-class drama and family shows in Kingston and beyond – the theatre's utmost priority.
Although the Rose is the largest producing theatre in South West London, it does not receive regular Arts Council subsidy. It must secure additional fundraising income to complement contributions from its stakeholders, benefactors and sponsors; this vital funding helps the Rose to advance its artistic and charitable activities.
Whilst this event is a fundraiser, we want theatre to be accessible for all so we have made over 100 tickets available at £20 or less.
Ian McKellen on Stage is presented by Ambassador Theatre Group.
Proceeds from this event support the Rose Theatre. Rose Theatre Kingston is a Registered Charity No. 1000182.
Running time: Approximately two hours including a 20 minute interval
