Ian McKellen to Star in CFT's THE SYNDICATE

Stage and screen star Ian McKellen is set to star in the Chichester Festival Theatre production of THE SYNDICATE during one of his filming breaks from 'The Hobbit'. McKellen will play mob boss 'Don Antonino Barracano' in the play, which was written by Eduardo De Flippo.

On his breaks from 'The Hobbit,' McKellen wrote in his blog, 'Sequels aren't necessarily as rewarding to act in as their ­originals. The deciding negotiation was not about money, but about dates. Gandalf is needed on set over the next 18 months, but with sizeable breaks when I can work on other projects. My worry that I could not escape from Middle Earth was lifted.' 

Sir Ian McKellen has appeared on Broadway in Dance of Death, Ian McKellen: A Knight Out at the Lyceum, Wild Honey, Ian KcKennel: Acting Shakespeare, Amadeus, and The Promise. Long known as a Shakespearean actor with the U.K.'s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, amongst other high profile establishments. He has appeared in over 250 productions, garnering multiple Tony and Olivier Awards. In 1979 he was awarded the Commander of the British Empire for his services to drama. He has recently attracted wider fame and attention for his portrayal as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and as well as for his role as Magneto in the popular X-Men films. McKellen recently reprised his role of Estragon in the West End's Haymarket Theatre's production of 'Waiting for Godot' directed by Sean Mathias, which also starred Roger Rees.

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