The Flyer
Sir Ian McKellen Joins Sponsored Walk Supporters
monologues and asides. The second
act included his thoughts on every
single one of Shakespeare’s 37 plays
and thrilling performances of some of
the most famous speeches contained
within them.
During his visit he also took time
out of his busy schedule to meet the
walkers of the 200 for 200 Sponsored
Walk and wish them luck as they set
off, he even gave his own personal
donations to each of their campaigns.
The 200 for 200 Sponsored Walk
has already attracted celebrity
endorsement from Sir Derek Jacobi,
Griff Rhys-Jones and Sophie Raworth;
but now Sir Ian McKellen has offered
his encouragement and support to the
walkers during his recent visit to the
theatre for performances as part of his
80th birthday tour.
Sir Ian McKellen is no stranger to
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
With a brick in the wall, a dressing
room named after him and a star in
the newly created Theatre Star Trail
(arranged in collaboration with Our
Bury St Edmunds), Sir Ian is one of
many revered stars who know what it
is like to tread the boards at Theatre
Royal.
Not only has Sir Ian graced Theatre
Royal’s stage, he actually helped
restore the theatre in 2004 when he,
The walk started on Sat 13 Apr, and
ends on Easter Monday. Over 200
miles will be covered as the 3 main
walkers are joined at different legs of
the journey by volunteers, supporters,
Patrons and sponsors.
To support the walkers as they
follow the historic path of the
Norwich Circuit of Players (led by
none other than Theatre Royal
architect, William Wilkins) visit the
JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/200-4-200, and to fi nd out
more about the sponsored walk visit
www.200for200.org
along with others, became a Patron of
the Restoration and Renovation Appeal
and performed in the 2005 Restoration
Gala; one of several performances that
helped raise over £50,000 towards the
restoration.
Sir Ian brought his one-man show,
touring 80 theatres in celebration of
his 80th birthday, to Theatre Royal
on Fri 12 and Sat 13 Apr, playing to
full houses on both nights with a
powerful combination of anecdotes,
P le a s e m e n t i o n ‘ T h e F l yer ’ wh en r esp o n d in g t o ad ver t isements
T H E FLY E R | M AY 2 0 1 9
19