The Show People Podcast with Andrew Keates
& Sir Ian McKellen
Thursday 14th August 2025 | Two Brewers, Clapham
The Show People Podcast was honoured to return to The Two Brewers for an extraordinary, sold-out live conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors, Sir Ian McKellen.
Hosted by Queer Theatre’s Artistic Director Andrew Keates, the evening unfolded across two richly detailed chapters. In the first, Ian traced his story back to wartime Britain, sharing memories of growing up in Burnley and Wigan, the family experiences that shaped him, and the first moments he stepped into a theatre and realised what performance could offer. He spoke candidly about starting out in repertory, the reality of early work at the Belgrade in 1961, and the breakthroughs that followed, including the cultural and political weight of portraying Richard II and Edward II. The room felt especially held as he reflected on originating the role of Max in Bent, coming out on the radio, and what it meant for the UK to listen. He also offered heartfelt, clear-eyed words of support and solidarity for trans people living through impossible times.
The second half moved through the roles that have become part of our shared cultural vocabulary. From Richard III and the film that almost didn’t happen, to the impact of Gods and Monsters and his Oscar nomination, Ian spoke with humour and precision about craft, risk, and staying curious. There were vivid reflections on the joy of filming The Lord of the Rings and the unexpected legacy of Gandalf for younger generations, alongside the political charge of the X-Men universe and why he nearly turned down Magneto. He celebrated the deep friendship and legendary collaborations with Patrick Stewart, touched on the thrill of performing for a live audience in Vicious, and championed grassroots theatre and queer storytelling as places where artistry and community are built.
With laughter, insight, and the occasional perfectly timed aside, the night balanced mythic career moments with a fierce belief in local stages, queer representation, and the simple power of showing up. As with every episode, all profits supported Queer Theatre’s mission to proudly tell LGBTQ+ stories and nurture queer talent, making this not only a landmark conversation, but a meaningful contribution to the community that filled the room.
Photography by Boyan Georgiev. Videography by JW Productions
Sponsored by Theatacccounts
