Fit for a king: Ian McKellen to play Lear at newly rebuilt Yard theatre in east London
Summary
Ian McKellen will play King Lear in a new production at the rebuilt Yard theatre in east London. This is his first major stage role since a 2024 accident, and the play will open the theatre’s new season, which features a redesigned space with more seating.Key Facts
- Ian McKellen will star as King Lear in the Yard theatre’s opening season after the venue was rebuilt.
- McKellen had an accident in 2024 when he fell from the stage, causing him to pause major theatre work.
- The Yard theatre, located in Hackney Wick, east London, reopened with a curved auditorium that holds 220 people, twice as many as before.
- The new production of King Lear will be directed by Jay Miller and co-developed with playwright Simon Stephens.
- McKellen has previously played King Lear in 2007 and 2017, with acclaimed performances that toured internationally.
- The Yard theatre began in 2011 as a temporary space in a warehouse and is known for supporting new and experimental work.
- The theatre recently won an Olivier award for The Glass Menagerie, its last show before rebuilding.
- McKellen will also appear in the film The Christophers and the upcoming Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hunt for Gollum.
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