Ian McKellen: I will ‘probably’ reprise Falstaff role after Player Kings fall

Ian McKellen has said he will “probably” reprise his role as Falstaff in a West End revival of Henry IV Parts One and Two

The veteran actor, 83, played the character in Kenneth Branagh’s 2012 and 2014 productions at the Donmar Warehouse and the Garrick Theatre.

McKellen said he was “very happy” to have been approached to reprise the role, which he described as “one of the great comic roles in English literature”.

He added that he was “looking forward to working with Kenneth again and the rest of the company”.

The production is due to open at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London in 2024. McKellen will be joined by Richard McCabe as King Henry IV and Tom Hiddleston as Prince Hal.

McKellen’s Falstaff is a larger-than-life character, who is both witty and wise, but also corrupt and self-serving.

The role has been played by many great actors over the years, including Laurence Olivier, Orson Welles, and Antony Sher.

McKellen’s performance in the role was praised by critics, with many saying that he brought a new depth and understanding to the character.

The production is sure to be a major theatrical event, and it is sure to sell out quickly.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in the autumn.