How to get Player Kings tickets as Ian McKellen stars as Shakespeare’s Falstaff

Sir Ian McKellen will take on the role of John Falstaff in Robert Icke’s adaptation of William Shakepeare’s Player Kings, with performances in Manchester and London. Here’s how you can secure tickets today.

By Laura Wybrow

Published: Thursday, 16 November 2023 at 07:30 AM

It’s been a brilliant month for new theatre shows, with the announcement of The Devil Wears Prada and Cruel Intentions getting theatre adaptations and Dear Evan Hansen going on a UK tour, and it’s about to get even better with the news that none other than Sir Ian McKellen will be taking on the role of John Falstaff in Player Kings.

Player Kings will be adapted by Robert Icke — the theatre director who is best known for his play The Doctor and adaptations of The Oresteia and 1984 — from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.

If you’re a theatre fan, you’ll probably recall that McKellen has previously turned down opportunities to play Falstaff, but for Icke, The Lord of the Rings actor simply couldn’t say no: “I decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, when I was in John Barton’s undergraduate production of Henry IV.

“Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite of Shakespeare’s, although through the years I’ve resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke’s ingenious adaptation was irresistible.”

This isn’t the first time McKellen has played a Shakespearean role; his credits include parts in Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth.

Also speaking about Player Kings, Icke said: “It’s a genuine honour to work with one of our greatest Shakespearean actors, Ian McKellen, especially as he tackles one of the most iconic Shakespearean roles — and one he’s previously never turned his hand to.

“It’s an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare’s plays into one production, and I’m so excited to share Player Kings with audiences in the West End and across the country.”

That’s right, Player Kings won’t just be performing in the West End, but in London’s New Wimbledon Theatre and Manchester’s Opera House. Let’s find out how you can secure tickets today.

Speaking of brand new theatre productions, you can also get Long Day’s Journey Into Night tickets starring Brian Cox and Burlesque tickets.

Player Kings UK date and venue: When and where are the Manchester and London performances?