Ian McKellan spotted in Llangollen
Gandalf didn't quite get to the Shire this week, instead the actor who played him was appearing on stage across the Shropshire border in Wales.
Sir Ian McKellen is on an 80th birthday tour of the UK, which has seen him take to the stage at both Theatr Hafren in Newtown, Mid Wales and Theatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales.
He caused a stir while spotted shopping in Llangollen, even wearing his Hobbit crew member fleece.
The Shakespearian actor is performing his one-man-show free, with proceeds going to the individual theatres on the tour.
In a statement posted to Theatr Clwyd's website, he said: "Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience.
"Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I’ve always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself, with the RSC, the National Theatre, Prospect Theatre, the Actors’ Company, as well as with commercial productions."
One of those at the show at Theatre Hafren in Newtown was Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies.
He said: "Ian McKellen really is a remarkable man, at 80 years old doing a sprightly three hours on stage solo. After that he stationed himself in the foyer of the theatre with a donations bucket.
"Wasn’t sure it would be my cup of tea but I really enjoyed it and learning a bit about Shakespeare. I’m told tickets sold out in 90 minutes with several hundred on the waiting list."
Jason Kirkham, who took a photo of Sir Ian in Llangollen, said he spotted him popping into a shop in Castle Street in Llangollen.
"My partner went over to him and he shook her hand," he said.
