Sir Ian McKellen Returns to London Stage

"An Enemy of the People" opens at the Olivier Theatre this month.

Sir Ian McKellen
London, UK

For Immediate Release
Monday, 1 September, 1997

London — Ending a five-year absence from the London stage, Sir Ian McKellen returns to the Olivier Theatre in the Royal National Theatre production of Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People."  Directed by Trevor Nunn, previews begin 12 September 1997 and the play opens 19 September 1997. Sir Ian plays Dr. Tomas Stockman, who attempts to expose a hazardous pollution scandal in his home town — about to establish itself as a health resort— but the public refuse to listen. Instead of being honoured as a hero, Stockman is reviled as "an enemy of the people" who wants to destroy their plans to open the spa. Translation of Ibsen's text is by Christopher Hampton.

Sir Ian, who has been away from the stage while filming, went directly from the set of  "Gods and Monsters" in Los Angeles, to rehearsals for "An Enemy of the People" in London. The play reunites him with director Trevor Nunn ("Cats," "Sunset Boulevard") and designer John Napier, 21 years after their ground-breaking "Macbeth" for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Penny Downie, Stephen Moore, and John Woodvine co-star.