Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from the Two Brewers in Clapham.
In this second half of an extraordinary conversation, Sir Ian McKellen reflects on some of the most iconic roles of his career; from Richard III to Gods and Monsters, Gandalf, Magneto, and his legendary collaborations with Patrick Stewart. He also dives into grassroots theatre, sitcoms, Shakespeare, queer representation, and the roles he still hopes to play. Essential listening for fans of The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Vicious, Shakespeare lovers, and anyone who cherishes Sir Ian’s extraordinary legacy.
Episode Highlights Include:
• His breakthrough with Richard III and how the film almost didn’t get made
• The impact of Gods and Monsters and receiving his Oscar nomination
• Gandalf’s legacy, the joy of filming The Lord of the Rings, and what it means to younger generations
• Magneto, the political power of the X-Men universe, and why he nearly said no to the role
• His friendship and collaborations with Patrick Stewart: Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land, and their performances in South Africa • His passion for grassroots and Queer theatre, and why local repertory still matters
• Working on The Dresser with Anthony Hopkins, and a hilarious encounter with Sir Tom Courtenay
• Filming Vicious, performing for a live audience, and the importance of older queer characters on TV
• Saying yes to Cats, his experience on set, and the unexpected joy of the project
• Taking on Coriolanus, the physical challenge, and the depth of Shakespeare’s most complicated characters
• The Shakespeare roles he still wants to play, including Antonio in The Merchant of Venice
• His favourite speech from Thomas More, and why its message still resonates today
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If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-us
Sponsors & Supporters:
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Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling.
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Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer.
Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev
Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event.
Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers
Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.
Queer Theatre
This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event.
Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK.
Follow Andrew Keates:
Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates or
connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk
Follow Sir Ian McKellen
Instagram: @ianmckellen
Website: www.mckellen.com
Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x
España