King Lear and 'Seagull,' with McKellen, to Play the West End

According to London Theatre Guide, the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of King Lear and The Seagull will transfer to the West End's New London Theatre, where they will play in repertory beginning on November 12th. 

The productions of Shakespeare's tragedy and Chekhov's dramatic comedy, both directed by Tony Award-winner Trevor Nunn (Les Miserables, ...Nicholas Nickleby) and starring Tony Award-winner Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings and X-Men films, Dance of Death) are currently playing in repertory in Stratford-upon-Avon through the end of June.  A world tour will precede the West End transfer.

King Lear, in which the pride of a king leads to the downfall of both him and his favorite daughter, stars McKellen as Lear and Frances Barber (Antony and Cleopatra at the Globe Theatre) as Goneril.  The production has, according to the article, been in the British news for a scene in which McKellen appears nude.  The Seagull, which follows the romantic entanglements and frustrations of a group of actors and writers, will feature Barber as Arkadina and McKellen as Sorin (he shares the role with William Gaunt).

RSC Executive Director Vikki Heywood said of the transfer: "We are delighted that the company is getting the chance to perform in the New London. The RSC has played in a variety of venues in the capital, including past performances at the Haymarket, Playhouse and Trafalgar Studios, amongst others. We are also continuing our five year relationship with Cameron Mackintosh, whose theatres, including the Gielgud, Coward and Novello, have recently housed the Company's London seasons to great box office success."

Visit www.rsc.org.uk for more information.

Photo of Ian McKellen by Retna Ltd.