Sir Ian McKellen to play Falstaff in Shakespeare adaptation at Manchester theatre - here's how to get tickets

Actor Sir Ian McKellen will star in a a new play, which brings together parts one and two of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, written by Robert Icke. Player Kings will see the Hollywood star take on the role of John Falstaff, with the rest of the cast still to be revealed.

The play will debut at New Wimbledon Theatre, in London on March 1, before heading to Manchester Opera House on March 14 for a short run. It will then head to London's West End for a 12-week run. In Shakespeare, McKellen has previously triumphed as Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, and most recently as King Lear (twice) and as an 80 year old Hamlet in Sean Mathias’ upcoming film.

Tickets for the Manchester Opera House show are available to ATG+ members today, Wednesday, 15 November at 12pm; with general booking open from tomorrow, Thursday 16 November at 10am. Tickets can be purchased here.

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Ian McKellen commented: “I decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, when I was in John Barton’s undergraduate production of Henry IV. Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite Shakespeare's, although through the years I’ve resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke’s ingenious adaptation was irresistible.”

Robert Icke added: “It’s a genuine honour to work with one of our greatest Shakespearean actors, Ian McKellen, especially as he tackles one of the most iconic Shakespearean roles - and one he's previously never