Ian McKellen to star in European premiere of mixed-reality play An Ark in Manchester

Centre · 2Sir Ian McKellen, 87, will star in the European premiere of An Ark, a mixed-reality theatre production, at Factory International's Aviva Studios in Manchester. 1 2 Centre · 2The show will run from 27 March to 10 April, and Factory International announced it as part of its 2027 programme. 1 2 Centre · 2An Ark is a 47-minute play written by Simon Stephens that debuted in New York earlier this year. 1 2

Centre · 2McKellen stars with Golda Rosheuvel, Arinze Kene and Rosie Sheehy. 1 2 Centre · 2The cast were filmed in a studio with 52 cameras to make volumetric recordings, which audiences see as 3D holographic video through mixed-reality glasses. The Evening Standard says the glasses are designed to form "an impossibly close connection between actor and audience", and describes audiences as watching pre-recorded videos of the actors onstage. 1 2 Centre · 2McKellen said a new Simon Stephens play is always exciting, but one written for this format "feels more like an explosion". He said the four actors were in front of 50 cameras at once, "relishing the chance to explore a new way of acting", and that "New York has already been impressed with the result – now it's Manchester's turn." 1 2

Centre · 2Sheehy called the making of the production "a true adventure" and said that stretching theatre's boundaries "can feel terrifying at times", but that working with the cast replaced the fear with excitement. 1 2 Centre · 1The BBC adds local context: McKellen was born in Burnley, moved to Wigan as a child, and performed at Burnley Youth Theatre in 2019 on his 80th birthday tour. 2 Centre · 1The Evening Standard also lists other 2027 Factory International programming, including a dance adaptation of It's A Sin from 16 February, A Year Without Summer, Einstein On The Beach, and the return of Manchester International Festival for its 20th anniversary. 1