Ian McKellen to return to the stage in new version of King Lear

Ian McKellen will return to the stage in a new reimagining of King Lear at the Yard Theatre as part of the venue’s inaugural season in its rebuilt Hackney Wick home.

The production, titled Lear, has been reimagined by playwright Simon Stephens and the Yard’s artistic director Jay Miller. It will play during winter 2026, with dates and press night details still to be announced.

The production forms part of the theatre’s first programme in its newly redeveloped venue, which opens this summer following the demolition and reconstruction of the original Yard Theatre building.

Speaking to WhatsOnStage earlier this week, Miller explained that the piece isn’t a solo show, and will act as “a beautiful meditation on what it means to give a life to the theatre.” Discussing McKellen’s involvement, Miller noted that “Ian’s played multiple Lear roles – Kent, Edgar and the title role twice – in his life,”  and that the actor remains “restlessly searching” for what the production can become. Miller added that “even at 86, in a rehearsal room, he’ll just be trying stuff over and over… he’s one of the most playful actors I’ve ever met.”

A brief exchange released alongside the announcement gives an indication of the production’s approach:

“I mean, I’ve organised my life for good or bad, so that acting is the main thing I do,” says McKellen.

“My wits begin to turn – ” replies Lear.

“So if I’m not acting, what’s the point?”, responds McKellen.

McKellen last performed King Lear on stage in 2017 at Chichester Festival Theatre, in a production that later transferred to the West End and New York. He has previously collaborated with Stephens on An Ark, a virtual theatre experiment. Stephens’ recent theatre credits include Vanya, The Seagull, A Doll’s House and Heisenberg, while Miller has led the Yard since its founding in 2011.

The new venue, designed by Takero Shimazaki Architects, more than doubles the size of the original theatre and includes a 220-seat auditorium, new artist development spaces and expanded backstage facilities.

Tickets for Lear will go on sale at a later date.