Sir Ian McKellen will take on the role of John Falstaff in Robert Icke\u2019s adaptation of William Shakepeare\u2019s Player Kings, with performances in Manchester and London. Here\u2019s how you can secure tickets today. <\/p>
It\u2019s been a brilliant month for new theatre shows, with the announcement of The Devil Wears Prada<\/a> and Cruel Intentions<\/a> getting theatre adaptations and Dear Evan Hansen<\/a> going on a UK tour, and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Player Kings will be adapted by Robert Icke \u2014 the theatre director who is best known for his play The Doctor and adaptations of The Oresteia and 1984 \u2014 from William Shakespeare\u2019s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a theatre fan, you\u2019ll probably recall that McKellen has previously turned down opportunities to play Falstaff, but for Icke, The Lord of the Rings<\/a> actor simply couldn\u2019t say no: \u201cI decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, when I was in John Barton\u2019s undergraduate production of Henry IV.<\/p>\n \u201cDerek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite of Shakespeare\u2019s, although through the years I\u2019ve resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke\u2019s ingenious adaptation was irresistible.\u201d<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the first time McKellen has played a Shakespearean role; his credits include parts in Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth.<\/p>\n Also speaking about Player Kings, Icke said: \u201cIt\u2019s 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 \u2014 and one he\u2019s previously never turned his hand to.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare\u2019s plays into one production, and I\u2019m so excited to share Player Kings with audiences in the West End and across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s right, Player Kings won\u2019t just be performing in the West End, but in London\u2019s New Wimbledon Theatre and Manchester\u2019s Opera House. Let\u2019s find out how you can secure tickets today.<\/p>\n Speaking of brand new theatre productions, you can also get Long Day\u2019s Journey Into Night tickets<\/a> starring Brian Cox and Burlesque tickets<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ian McKellen plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare\u2019s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke. Coming to @NewWimbTheatre<\/a> and @PalaceAndOpera<\/a> before a West End run. \n
Player Kings UK date and venue: When and where are the Manchester and London performances?<\/strong><\/h2>\n