Last September, when we filmed a Zoom interview with multi-award-winning Theatre Director, Acting Coach and Artist ANDREW KEATES in London he talked about his latest project  QUEER THEATRE.  It has a very simple mission which we really applaud:  TO TELL AUTHENTIC LGBTQIA + STORIES WITHOUT SHAME.  He promised that among his classes, workshops etc, there would be special one-night events.  What he didn’t tell us then was actually how special they will be like on The Show People Podcast on Thursday, 14th August, when his special guest will be the legendary actor/activist (Sir) Ian McKellan.

With a career spanning stage, screen, and activism, Sir Ian has received over 60 major international awards for his work. A leading man with the Royal Shakespeare Company, his theatre credits include Waiting for Godot (twice in the West End), and countless classical and contemporary roles. On screen, he has received two Academy Award nominations—one for his powerful performance in Gods and Monsters and another as Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring. He is equally beloved for his role as Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

Beyond his legendary career, Ian has been a pioneering voice for LGBTQ+ rights. Since coming out publicly in 1988, he has used his platform to advocate for equality, co-founding the charity Stonewall, which campaigns for legal and social change for gay people. Knighted in 1991 for services to the performing arts and later appointed a Companion of Honour for services to Drama and Equality, Sir Ian McKellen remains a towering figure in both the cultural and queer landscape.

PS He has incidentally adopted the nickname that Stephen Fry gave him when he was  Knighted….and that he used ine a speech at the Official Closing of the Gay Games ‘you can call me Serena“

NB The photo of Sir Ian is by Frederic Aranda.