Ian McKellen (Max) and Tom Bell (Horst) meeting in Dachau

BENT (1979)

Written by Martin Sherman

Directed by Robert Chetwyn

Ian McKellen in the role of Max

Royal Court and Criterion, London

3 May 1979

Society of West End Theatres (SWET) - Best Actor

Ian McKellen (Max) and Tom Bell (Horst) making love without touching
John Haynes

Hewsion's cartoon in Punch (23 May 1979): Tom Bell (Horst), Ian McKellen (Max) labouring at Dachau. This is a rare example of Hewison's commenting on a play directly in words rather than in images.

Ian McKellen (Max) and Tom Bell (Horst)

Max (Ian McKellen) and Horst (Tom Bell)

24 July 1979: Cast of Bent (Ian McKellen centre left, next to Tom Bell) march in Piccadilly Circus with representatives of other West End shows against Value Added Tax on theatre tickets. At the end of the march, Ian addressed a rally from the stage of the Royal Opera House.
Donald Cooper

Ian McKellen and Tom Bell

Marquee of the Royal Court Theatre

Uncle Freddie (Richard Gale) and Max (Ian McKellen

Cast7

Next Play:
Gran Gala Per L'Europa