The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
Sir Ian McKellen
24 January 2009
Reviewed by Peter Harvey
24 January 2009
Reviewed by Peter Harvey
In his capacity as patron of the Little Theatre Guild, Sir Ian McKellen opened the season for the Stables’ fiftieth-anniversary year. It was a day few members will ever forget. At a buffet luncheon, he met the stalwarts of the Stables and accepted, on the theatre’s behalf, a cheque for £6000 from Dr Chris Forester of the company Chrysalis, which has become a new sponsor for the theatre. For a few moments, with the sponsor feeding the correct cue, Gandalf was with us, and the line “They shall not pass,” received a long ovation.
Sir Ian had flown from the Obama celebrations in Washington, arriving the day before his visit. After a much-needed rest in the late afternoon, he returned to present an evening performance tailor-made for the occasion. His warmth and his affection for small theatres, not forgetting his unique perception and mastery of the art and craft of acting, made this an unforgettable occasion. Challenged at lunch-time to offer an extract from Richard II, he produced an astounding performance. His portrayal in modern clothes on a stage furnished with only a chair and a small table was impeccably delivered, with an electric energy and intense emotion. He also proved his skills as a comedian with spontaneous quips and an extract from Roget’s Thesaurus. In contrast, his reading of the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins left his audience entranced.
At the end of the evening some twenty Stables members snapped up the chance to appear on stage with this much-loved actor. They can now tell their grandchildren about it, but we know they only played dead bodies.
In his “rest” period, Sir Ian signed every programme for the audience. His generosity of spirit will be remembered here for years to come, just as much as his wonderful talents.
Sir Ian had flown from the Obama celebrations in Washington, arriving the day before his visit. After a much-needed rest in the late afternoon, he returned to present an evening performance tailor-made for the occasion. His warmth and his affection for small theatres, not forgetting his unique perception and mastery of the art and craft of acting, made this an unforgettable occasion. Challenged at lunch-time to offer an extract from Richard II, he produced an astounding performance. His portrayal in modern clothes on a stage furnished with only a chair and a small table was impeccably delivered, with an electric energy and intense emotion. He also proved his skills as a comedian with spontaneous quips and an extract from Roget’s Thesaurus. In contrast, his reading of the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins left his audience entranced.
At the end of the evening some twenty Stables members snapped up the chance to appear on stage with this much-loved actor. They can now tell their grandchildren about it, but we know they only played dead bodies.
In his “rest” period, Sir Ian signed every programme for the audience. His generosity of spirit will be remembered here for years to come, just as much as his wonderful talents.
Also in this section >
Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
