Words from Ian McKellen

Near the end of my final term at school, secure of a place at university, there were no examinations to sit, so I fitted in my last show for the Bolton Little Theatre. Sebastian seemed a colourless part, at least in comparison with the mightily comic Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew with whom he fights.

Olivia's real-life husband was Feste. Geoff Banks taught modern languages but he was also the first professional actor I knew, working after hours as a broadcaster for BBC in Manchester. He had no time for his colleagues' work with us boys. But I was in awe of his mimicry and his overall ability as a professional actor, which he became when he retired as a teacher. — Ian McKellen, December 2006