Yes, you read that right! At the spritely age of 81, legend of stage and screen, Ian Mckellen is set to play Hamlet in an age-blind production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, directed by Sean Mathias.

It will be the first time in almost half a century that Mckellen will take on the role and rehearsals are due to begin on Monday.

Speaking about playing Hamlet again, Mckellen said: “I feel lucky to be working again, thanks to Bill Kenwright’s inspiring optimism and Sean Mathias’s invitation to re-examine Hamlet, 50 years on from my first go. So now we will meet again! Don’t know when but do know where – Theatre Royal Windsor!”

Dates for the show at the Theatre Royal Windsor have not yet been set, although it is thought to be the first major UK production to start rehearsals since lockdown began in March. Rehearsals will be undertaken with strict measures in place including social distancing, screening, PPE and adhering close to the latest government guidelines.

They said: “there will be a daily review of the protection protocol based on practical considerations learnt in the rehearsal room. If the show can’t yet go on, rehearsals at least will.”

The production will be produced by Bill Kenwright and designed by Lee Newby with costume design by Loren Elstein, lighting design by Jamie Platt and composition & sound design by Adam Cork.

Also announced to star are Ben Allen, Emmanuella Cole, Alis Wyn Davies, Oli Higginson, Nick Howard- Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Asif Khan, Missy Malek and Jenny Seagrove.

Following Hamlet, Mckellen will star as Firs, the elderly manservant, in Martin Sherman’s adaptation of Anton Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard.

Mathias said: “The disappointment at being halted by COVID-19 has now been replaced with encouraging signs that we can at least start to work on these beautiful plays with an exceptional company. We walk a tight rope through the forest whilst we await news of when we may actually perform in front of a live audience, but it will be invigorating to leave the house and get into a rehearsal room and be a part of British Theatre returning to the boards.”

There are no confirmed running dates as of yet but producer Kenwright said: “Sean, Ian and myself have been planning this season for some time now and the truth is, I couldn’t bear to see it slip away. Nothing is more important than this country’s (and indeed the world’s) health and safety so we are not ready to announce an opening night yet – but I’m a great believer in making a start if a start is possible, and in this instance it is. I’m hopeful we will be enjoying a Windsor season in the forthcoming months.”

For updates on the productions, please visit https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/.