052: Sir Ian McKellen (Part One)

Join host ‪Andrew Keates‬ for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.

This episode features an extraordinary conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors: Sir Ian McKellen, a performer whose career spans over six decades, with more than sixty major awards across stage, screen and television, and whose voice in LGBTQ+ equality has inspired millions around the world.

Episode Highlights Include:
• Growing up in Burnley and Wigan during wartime Britain, and the family stories that shaped him, including the loss of his mother and sister.
• First memories of stepping into a theatre and discovering performance
• Life in repertory theatre at the Belgrade in 1961, and the reality of starting out
• The breakthrough of Richard II and Edward II at Edinburgh, and the political weight of portraying a queer monarch
• Originating the role of Max in Bent
• How he came out on the radio and why the UK had to pay attention.
• Advice for trans people during these impossible times.

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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-us

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Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling.
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Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer.
Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev

Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event.
Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers

Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.

Queer Theatre
This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event.
Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK.

Follow Andrew Keates:
Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates or
connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk

Follow Sir Ian McKellen
Instagram: @ianmckellen
Website: www.mckellen.com

Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x