Ian McKellen to play the demon in West End production of The Exorcist

Ian McKellen will voice the demon in the West End run of The Exorcist, which begins previews next week ahead of a ghoulish Halloween opening.

Running at the Phoenix Theatre, the show brings William Peter Blatty’s iconic best-selling novel to life, directed by Sean Mathias and adapted by John Pielmeier. The novel was also adapted into the 1973 film, widely considered one of the scariest of all time.

The rest of the cast will include Jenny Seagrove as Chris MacNeil, Peter Bowles as Father Lankester Merrin, Adam Garcia as Father Damien Karras, Todd Boyce as Doctor Strong, Elliot Harper as Father Joe, Isla Lindsay as Sharon, Mitchell Mullen as Doctor Klein, Tristram Wymark as Burke and Clare Louise Connolly as Regan.

McKellen is currently starring in King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre, which was recently given a five star review from WhatsOnStage.

The Exorcist runs at the Phoenix Theatre from 28 October to 10 March, with previews from 20 October.

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