Ian McKellen says Covid has robbed him of ‘last few years of capability’
‘I think you’d [hear] the same from Maggie Smith or Judi Dench,’ actor said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ian McKellen says that the coronavirus pandemic has “robbed” older actors of their “last few years” of capability.
As theatres plan to reopen in the coming months, the 82-year-old actor is returning to the stage in an age-blind production of Hamlet, in which he will play the titular Shakespearean lead.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, McKellen said that older actors had been hit particularly badly by the pandemic, knowing that these years would have been some of their last spent performing.
“This year has been very hard,” he said. “I think you’d get the same from Maggie Smith or Judi Dench – the thought of not working is horrifying.
“Because we’re getting to the end of our lives, to be robbed of the last few years of that capability is hard.”
McKellen received his Covid vaccine in December, describing his reaction as “euphoric”.
Under current government guidelines, theatres can reopen with social distancing in place from 17 May.
Capacity limits for indoor entertainment are yet to be announced. Before lockdown was reintroduced in December, theatres could operate at seating capacities of 50 per cent or 1,000 tickets, depending on which was lower.
You can find The Independent’s comprehensive guide to all the plays, musicals and comedy shows reopening in May and June here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments