Sir Ian McKellen celebrates his 80th birthday with an ambitious, 80-date tour across the UK — stopping off for four very special performances in Edinburgh’s Assembly Hall, the venue for his landmark first appearances at the International Festival 50 years ago.

From Tolkien’s Gandalf to Shakespeare, Sir Ian performs extracts from his best-loved roles, as well as recalling seminal moments from his life and career.

All profits from the tour will be used to support regional theatres and local drama provision. In Edinburgh, proceeds will support a bursary for an Edinburgh resident to study performance, as well as contributing to the refurbishment of the Drama Studio at Leith Academy, as part of the International Festival’s residency partnership with the school.