Sir Ian at Richmond Theatre, raising money for the Orange Tree: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ian-mckellen-26/

Not a play, rather ‘The best of classical music’ or ‘The best opera arias.’ Two plus hours of one of the world’s greatest actors reciting poems and Shakespeare’s prime soliloquies. And all the while Sir Ian makes you feel that this is not a performance, but an intimate conversation between just you and him. You hang on every word he says, bask in the wisdom he imparts and the anecdotes he shares, whilst somehow still convinced that you are able to influence the direction of the evening.

But more than anything, he reminds you just how special it is to participate in a live performance. My heart did more than flutter when he asked what the first word of Richard III was. My son, sat next to me, shouted out – NOW. I love the now of the theatre, but I do not think I ever felt this acutely just how strong my love is. Going to the theatre is such a privilege, I am so grateful I am able to do it. Nothing comes close.