The Guardian World · Oct 13, 2026

Ian McKellen to star in UK premiere of ‘mixed reality’ play – but not in person

Audiences in Manchester will be asked to wear smart glasses for An Ark, which debuted in New York this year Ian McKellen will star in a groundbreaking new play that gets its UK premiere in Manchester next spring. The Lord of the Rings star is taking part in An Ark, a “mixed reality” play that had its debut in New York earlier this year.