The Stage

McKellen to return to West End in Waiting For Godot

Published Friday 27 November 2009 at 11:30 by Lalayn Baluch

Ian McKellen is to return to the stage as Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot, when it is revived for a limited run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket next year.

Ian McKellan will reprise his role in a new run of Waiting for Godot st the Theatre Royal Haymarket Photo: Tristram Kenton

However, his co-star Patrick Stewart - who appeared in the production when it ran in the West End earlier this year, following a UK tour - will be replaced by Roger Rees.

Ronald Pickup, who also featured in the original line-up, and Matthew Kelly will also be joining the show, which will open at the London theatre on January 21, where it is scheduled to run until April 3. It will replace Breakfast At Tiffany’s starring Anna Friel, which ends its run on January 9.

Waiting for Godot is directed by Sean Mathias and was his first production as artistic director of the Theatre Royal Haymarket. It features designs by Stephen Brimson Lewis, lighting by Paul Pyant and sound by Paul Groothuis.

McKellen, who made his Beckett debut as Estragon, has previously worked with Mathias on a number of shows including Uncle Vanya at the National Theatre in 1992.

Last week, the actor was awarded the Evening Standard Special Award for his contribution to British theatre. The accolade came just days after he was honoured for his contribution to showbusiness at the 57th annual Variety Club Showbiz Awards.