Ian McKellen on Stage
Ian McKellen on Stage
Directed by Sean Mathias
“Taking this new Show to 80+ theatres around the country, has been a joyful birthday present to myself. I’ve played mainly in theatres I knew well as a young theatregoer and actor. On my birthday, I was in Bolton Town Hall where my dad used to work. It began last February with 15 theatres in Greater London and will end in Orkney.
Soon I will be back in London, for a limited season in the West End, raising much-needed funds for theatre charities.
As for the show? Ask someone who’s seen it. Come and find out.”
“The theatre event of the year” The Telegraph.
‘Warmth, wit and wizardry. In a line of 20th century legends including Gielgud and Olivier. Come one, come all and marvel’ The Telegraph
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after booking
- Where Do I Go
Harold Pinter Theatre
Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4DN
Reviews
Philip Smith
Dec 23, 2019
Paula and I absolutely loved IM’s show a great character who is entertaining and engaging.
Verity
Dec 23, 2019
We loved Ian McKellen on stage. What a fantastic performance from a man who has an amazing stage presence, an inspiring life story, wonderful voice and an amazing memory for Shakespeare!
JK
Dec 21, 2019
An excellent and enthralling evening. It’s fascinating to hear all the stories from Sir Ian’s time in the theatre and see excerpts from his most famous roles.
Ali & Howard Welsby
Dec 18, 2019
Sir Ian is just incredible, as a person and as an Actor. Stories of his life adventures both personally and on-screen were funny, sad, thoughtful, delightful and overwhelmingly heartfelt. He came out to meet his audience in the interval and personally collected extra monies for the well deserved charity at the end of the performance. Wonderful evening.
Amanda
Dec 18, 2019
If I could, I'd watch Ian's show EVERY year.
Silvia
Dec 17, 2019
The first half of the show was fabulous. The second half was enjoyable but went on 50% longer than needed.
Theatre lover
Dec 16, 2019
Great show
Martin Ashworth
Dec 13, 2019
Great show. Very funny stories of a life in theatre and brilliant speeches from plays he has performed in.
Colin. Staffordshire.
Dec 13, 2019
From humble beginnings to Knight of the Stage and Screen. Sir Ian takes you on a humble and humorous account of his lives journey. Characters abound, insider story's amaze but above all honesty and talent prevails! A totally enjoyable evenings entertainment given selflessly for good causes. Unmissable!
hilary
Dec 9, 2019
Brilliant - witty - funny - intelligent an absolutely fabulous three hours.....😄
Paula Hart
Dec 7, 2019
What a gorgeous inspirational man. My mum and I had the most fabulous evening.
Alby
Dec 5, 2019
I have been watching all the movies that Sir McKellen played, but seeing him on stage it’s a thing you can’t miss!
Claire
Dec 4, 2019
The show was more than amazing. It was such a refreshing piece of theatre and something very different. Ian is miraculous!
Martha Brooke
Dec 2, 2019
I have been in London for 51 years and never missed a performance of I. McKellen on the stage. He is a genious - and his dealing with the entire Shakespeare inheritance plus his annecdotes on his life as an actor were magical. Wish there was a DVD to see this wonderful performance again and again
Lorraine L
Dec 1, 2019
This was an amazing show about and with an amazing Man, he totally interacted with the audience even coming out to meet us in the interval. Will never forget this evening
Lorraine
Nov 30, 2019
An evening of joy, wonder and sheer bliss. Ian McKellen was just the perfect host. A great raconteur as he took us through his 80 years. He showed how it is not necessary to have a mic as you listened to the story of his life. Just amazing. Get a ticket if there is a chance any are left!!
Theatreholic
Nov 28, 2019
Ian McKellen is inspirational. His performance was amusing and I love the way he acts with his face, body and voice. The whole evening, from beginning to end was highly entertaining. Loved every moment.
Andrew of Rothbury
Nov 28, 2019
I was so impressed - this was a wonderful expose by Ian McKellen (hope i have spelt it right!) of his life and some of the highlights. It was truly wonderful to be part of what felt like a very personal performance. I don't "read Lord of the Rings every year" but i tell you I would go to this show every year of it was possible! I was impressed to hear most of the ticket sales (and the bucket collection at the end) was going to theatre charities - well done Sir Ian, I love you.
Donna
Nov 28, 2019
A birthday treat for me Ian McKellen was EPIC 😂😂!! A raconteur of the highest order - enthralling the audience for 180mins. It takes a very special talent to do a one man show! Sir Ian is a National Treasure..
Shell2020
Nov 27, 2019
Excellent evenings entertainment, Ian was on stage for nearly 3 hours! Reason for 4 stars - a bit too much Shakespeare and not enough stories in the second half. Having said that very fun night 🙏🔥
Vicky
Nov 25, 2019
Not so good unfortunately
Carolyn Thomasson
Nov 25, 2019
Could listen to Ian Mckellens voice and stories all day long, he is a true star with an amazing memory and quick wit. I didn’t want it to finish and would love to go again.
Tricia Davidson Chiasson
Nov 23, 2019
Ian was so engaging and inspirational- we took our 16 year old son who is an aspiring actor at Fine Arts College and he said shaking Ian’s hand and looking into his eyes will be with him forever ❤️ after the show we actually felt the feeling of missing someone you care about. Bravo Ian, a million thanks for a lifelong memory.
Bertha
Nov 23, 2019
Exquisite performance . He can play anything not just Shakespeare. He is able to make the audience part of his stage character which is unique...
Carol
Nov 21, 2019
He was amazing, really funny and witty, and how did he remember all those lines!
Paul
Nov 21, 2019
Excellent evening and very entertaining. Fifteen minutes too long, as clearly people had to leave to catch their last train home. Lovely small theatre and extremely enjoyable.
Maggie
Nov 18, 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed Ian’s show, except, it went on too long, or he did! He came back on after the scheduled time & did more. Some people have to leave for trains etc and one really have too much of a good thing! We were sitting in the balcony & I was ok as I’m not very big, but my partner & others were quite uncomfortable, ? What can be done about that!!
Gabriela B.
Nov 18, 2019
The show is a spiral through Sir Ian McKellen's acting career and life. It is a unique opportunity to meet the man and the actor. Expect to be engaged, thrilled, surprised, delighted and provoked by this incredible acting performance. Either an aspiring actor or theatre connoisseur, or perhaps just Lord of the Rings fan, this is a must see!
PipK
Nov 17, 2019
Ian McKellen is the consummate actor and at 80n is still holds the audience entranced. This was a wonderful evening.
Kim
Nov 16, 2019
Loved Sir Ian. It was a real privilege to be in the presence of such a talented and funny actor who makes texts come to life in a way that few others can achieve.
Kevin
Nov 16, 2019
It was a wander through UK theatre history tour, & of Shakespeare. Full of light, tender and humorous moments. A fantastic night out. Loved it.
Shirley
Nov 15, 2019
What an amazing man! This was truly one of the most memorable evenings I have ever had. Sir Ian is not only talented, wise and enthralling but self -deprecating and humble. To experience such a performance was a a privilege .
Andy
Nov 12, 2019
The play is amazing there is no other word to describe it. Such a positive vibe. The actor full of energy, captivating the audience with each sentence. Yet such a humble person.
sue arnold
Nov 11, 2019
Ian McKellen was brilliant. Such a wonderful actor and his samples of Shakespeare were outstanding. He is so funny to watch and listen to. We enjoyed every moment of the performance.
roger
Nov 11, 2019
great
A Patel
Nov 11, 2019
What an astounding night :-) Brought my son (one of the few teenagers) who also loved it. We might be slightly biased by the fact he went up on stage to be with 'Gandalf' and try his sword
Steph
Nov 10, 2019
Extraordinary man. Left the theatre in utter awe of Sir Ian. Perfect evening.
Icc
Nov 10, 2019
An excellent, funny and informative performance
Carole clark
Nov 9, 2019
Ian's passion for the theatre is undiminished, infectious and a joy to share Loved his stories, anicdotes and felt privileged to be able to have a small glimpse into his private life and the world of theatre and film Thank you Ian for your tireless efforts to spread the word of the magic of the theatre to the masses X
Gm
Nov 2, 2019
Love his performance, he truly enjoyed what he does and he has a lovely presence Highly recommend this entertaining show.
Marie Shepperson
Nov 2, 2019
Absolutely fantastic, what a great afternoon entertainment.
Mary Spellman
Oct 30, 2019
An honour to attend a thoroughly delightful and entertaining and personal show by a legend of Theatre!
V Hale
Oct 30, 2019
Do not hesitate to book a seat and experience a master at work! An extraordinary journey from start to finish!
Karen Parker
Oct 30, 2019
I go to the theatre a lot! I love Shakespeare. ] This was one of the best theatre evenings I have ever experienced - my husband and I were overwhelmed to see an actor of that calibre, at 80, entertain, reminisce and perform to an extraordinary level - our love of the theatre was re-ignited last night
Anonymous
Oct 30, 2019
What a wonderful captivating performance. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Helen/Joan
Oct 27, 2019
He covered the whole gamut of characters from young to old, most of whom he had played. His memory for the chosen speeches was phenomenal. I remember seeing him as Widow Twanky at The Old Vic and his take on it on Thursday night was hilarious. A total treat.
Sarah
Oct 26, 2019
I went as bought the tickets for my partners birthday, however if I didn’t describe myself as a fan before I would now. He was engaging, funny and demonstrated his excellent acting skills.
Sandra denyer
Oct 24, 2019
What a lovely evening at the theatre. I could have sat there all night listening to Ian Mckellen story's and his trip through his life. Wonderful memories of his life in theatre and film. He had the audience in the palm of his hand. A great actor and story teller. Wonderful evening.
Tamsin
Oct 23, 2019
Outstanding!! Entertaining! A must see
Amanda
Oct 23, 2019
A brilliant evening with one of our greatest actors. Full of laughs, anecdotes, and brilliant acting, well worth a visit and all the proceeds go to Charity, well done Ian McKellen!