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Sir Ian unveils plaque at town's precious stage

Victoria Morley
14/ 5/2008

‘WIZARD King’ Sir Ian Mckellen sent greetings from Middle Earth this week when he arrived in Stockport to honour the country’s oldest ‘Little Theatre’.

Hundreds of Stockport fans gave the patron of the Little Theatre Guild - best known for his roles as King Lear, and Gandalf in the epic ‘Lord of The Rings’ film trilogy - an enchanting welcome when he arrived on Saturday to unveil the Stockport Garrick Society’s blue plaque.

Sir Ian, 68, originally from Burnley, who has been thrilling audiences both on screen and stage for more than 40 years, said he was honoured that his first engagement as patron was to unveil the plaque commemorating the Society’s inaugural meeting on the site of the Natwest Bank on St Petersgate.

On October, 24, 1901, Edwin Hayes and his fellow actors held the defiant meeting at the Church Coffee Tavern - directly opposite their former church dramatic society.

Sir Ian said: "I am delighted to be here at such a special time for the Stockport Garrick. I started in amateur theatre and for me that’s where some of the best actors in this country are found treading the boards. Professional theatre floats above amateur theatre. One cannot exist without the other, which is why it is my honour to be here today to officially congratulate England’s oldest ‘Little Theatre’ - named after one of the country’s greatest actors, David Garrick."

After entertaining the crowds, Sir Ian joined Stockport Mayor June Somekh and members of the Garrick inside the theatre for a question and answer session and drinks.

Although Sir Ian has never appeared at the Garrick he has been to Stockport to watch ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Plaza and recently had a cameo role in Coronation Street.

Stockport Garrick spokesman Sandy McGregor said: "It’s not often we are visited by theatre royalty and we would just like to thank Sir Ian, Stockport Council and Stockport Heritage Trust for making the society’s plaque unveiling a grand and prestigious event."