These 4 awe-inspiring photos show just what it takes to stand out amongst 10,000 images These shortlisted images from the RPS exhibition reveal what separates good from great photography Digital Camera World · May 4
To see or not to see? Every single Shakespeare play – ranked! Antony and Cleopatra? Exhausting. Lear? Magnificent but flawed. Hamlet? Limitless. For Shakespeare’s birthday, the Guardian’s former theatre critic ranks all the plays The Guardian - UK · Apr 22
Desmond Barrit obituary Character actor of energetic comic brilliance, notably as Falstaff at the RSC and in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys The Guardian - UK · Apr 2
The Merry Wives of Windsor review – Shakespeare’s script is the weakest bit of this joyous revel Falstaff’s corpulent roisterings are energetically played in Sean Holmes’ summery staging but the homely comedy comes laden with innuendo and xenophobia The Guardian - UK · Jul 10, 2025
Ian McKellen wants to take Shakespeare play to Southport and Sunderland following race riots ‘Come on, I believe in you, Southport,’ said the veteran actor in response to August’s race riots The Independent UK · Sep 6, 2024
Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his stage fall and new thriller Ian McKellen is listening to his inner critic The Independent UK · Sep 2, 2024
Ian McKellen says he is fine but has ‘emotional residues’ after onstage fall Actor, 85, says he is taking the rest of the year off after accident in June but plans to keep playing Gandalf The Guardian - UK · Sep 2, 2024
'Fat suit saved me from serious injury in West End stage fall', says Sir Ian McKellen The acclaimed stage star admitted he’s ‘nervous’ to leave the house following shocking accident mid-performance Evening Standard · Aug 20, 2024
Ian McKellen watches final day of Players Kings from audience as he recovers from fall Actor was forced to pull out of production following dramatic fall The Independent UK · Jul 27, 2024
Ian McKellen updates fans on recovery after West End theatre fall Actor has been recovering after falling from the stage during performance of Player Kings The Independent UK · Jul 3, 2024
Sir Ian McKellen withdraws from national tour of Player Kings after West End stage fall ‘My injuries improve day by day,’ the actor said Evening Standard · Jul 1, 2024
Sir Ian McKellen having 'lots of essential rest' and will miss last Player Kings West End performances after fall The veteran actor is still recovering from his injuries Evening Standard · Jun 20, 2024
Ian McKellen’s former understudy lauds actor’s work ethic: ‘A vanishing breed’ Actor, playing John Falstaff in ‘Player Kings’, fell from stage during a fight scene The Independent UK · Jun 19, 2024
Ian McKellen shares health update after falling off stage and being taken to hospital Sir Ian is currently playing John Falstaff in ‘Player Kings’ – a production of William Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’ parts one and two The Independent UK · Jun 18, 2024
Top News · Jun 18, 2024 Ian Mckellen Expected To Fully Recover After Stage Fall Renowned actor Ian McKellen, 85, falls off stage during performance but expected to fully recover and resume role in Shakespearean play.
The Guardian - UK · Jun 17, 2024 Ian McKellen expected to make ‘speedy recovery’ after falling off stage Actor ‘in good spirits’ after falling off front of stage during battle scene, Noël Coward theatre spokesperson said
The Guardian - UK · Jun 13, 2024 The Merry Wives of Windsor review – belting revenge comedy in modern middle England Blanche McIntyre’s Midas-touched production is set in the present day and finds delirious comedy in its class divisions
The Guardian - UK · May 20, 2024 Need proof who wrote Shakespeare’s plays? See The Merry Wives of Windsor Set for revival at the RSC, this perfectly structured revenge comedy has an earthy vitality that no aristo or scholar could have created
The Guardian - UK · Mar 21, 2024 Ian McKellen’s Player Kings to tour England The play, adapted by Robert Icke from both parts of Henry IV, stars McKellen as John Falstaff for the first time in his career and will take in Bristol, Birmingham and Newcastle after its West End run
Evening Standard · Nov 17, 2023 OPINION - Ian McKellen's thrilling new show is just the kind of innovation the Evening Standard Theatre Awards celebrate Our annual celebration of theatre is packed with fresh takes and new stories
Evening Standard · Nov 15, 2023 Ian McKellen will play Falstaff in Robert Icke's new Henry IV Shakespeare adaptation Player Kings will see parts one and two of Shakespeare's 13th century historical drama compacted into one exhilarating new play
The Guardian - UK · Oct 7, 2023 The week in classical: Falstaff; Hatfield House chamber music festival – review Verdi’s late masterpiece ends on a riotous and sustainable high at Opera North. At the childhood home of Elizabeth I, a family affair and a memorable premiere
The Guardian - UK · Oct 14, 2022 Robbie Coltrane: a totally singular talent from Cracker to Harry Potter – cerebral, physical and unforgettable From early comedy in Tutti Frutti to damaged psychologist Fitz, via Hagrid, Falstaff, Blackadder and finally National Treasure’s complex, hard-to-hate lead, Coltrane – who has died aged 72 – was a one-off
The Guardian - UK · Jul 25, 2022 David Warner was gentle, inquisitive – and stunning on stage An actor of innate tenderness and grace, Warner had a theatre career of two halves, each with superb performances for the RSC
The Guardian - UK · Feb 6, 2022 From ambushes to cakes and ale, Shakespeare always has the last word The Bard understood folly and intrigue. With Boris Johnson comparing himself to Othello, he’s also the best way for us to read the present