Sir Ian McKellen is set to star in the European premier of a play in which he appears as a hologram. The 87-year-old Lord of the Rings star, who was born in Burnley, will perform in An Ark when it comes to Manchester's Factory International Aviva Studios. The play, which debuted in New York, will feature McKellen and Bridgerton star Golda Rosheuvel in 3D holographic form, which was achieved using 52 cameras filming them from multiple angles.
McKellen said: "A new Simon Stephens play is always an excitement but when it is written to be performed in this unique way, it feels more like an explosion." McKellen said the actors involved had "relished the chance to explore a new way of acting". "New York has already been impressed with the result. Now it's Manchester's turn," he added.
West End star Arinze Kene, and Rosie Sheehy, best known for her starring role in Guess How Much I Love You, complete the cast. Sheehy described the making of the production as "a true adventure", adding: "Experimenting with what theatre can be is always a thrill – when the boundaries are being stretched this far it can feel terrifying at times. "However, being surrounded by such an extraordinary group of people took away that fear and replaced it with excitement and reward.
"It felt very good to be part of it all." McKellen moved to Wigan as a child, but remained faithful to his Burnley roots, and performed at Burnley Youth Theatre in 2019 as part of his 80th birthday tour. The production will run from 27 March to 10 April. Tell us which stories we should cover in Greater Manchester Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external.
You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Sir Ian McKellen 'brings LS Lowry's words to life'
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