Sir Ian McKellen fundraises for earthquake-hit Christchurch theatre

British actor and The Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen is set to perform a series of shows around New Zealand, raising funds for Christchurch's earthquake-damaged Isaac Theatre Royal.

The British actor, currently in the country to film Sir Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, will take a one-man stage show throughout New Zealand in May and June.

Proceeds will be donated to the earthquake-damaged Isaac Theatre Royal's fundraising campaign to cover the building's $500,000 policy excess and $5.5 million repair costs.

McKellen's The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit wizard character, Gandalf, will be in the limelight for the show's first half as the actor discusses how he became involved with the films.

He will also hold an audience question-and-answer session.

In the second half, McKellen, one of the most acclaimed Shakesperean actors of his generation, will discuss the plays, films and roles he has been involved with, interrupted by the occasional speech and soliloquy.

The show will finish with members of the audience being invited to 'play' dead French soldiers while McKellen delivers a stirring final speech.

Once the curtain falls, he has indicated, he might stand at the door with a bucket to collect impromptu donations for the Christchurch CBD building.

McKellen will play in Christchurch's Aurora Centre on 2nd June.

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