Ian McKellen and Roger Allam kickstarted work on the film adaptation of their stage show Frank and Percy on a windy Worthing Beach on Tuesday.
The acting veterans have reunited to star in the cinematic adaptation of Ben Weatherill’s play of the same name, following a West End run in 2023.
Despite the breezy weather, Ian, 86, was in high spirits as he chatted to Roger, 71, between scenes on the Worthing coastline.
The duo originally starred in the titular men in the play two years ago, opening at the Theatre Royal Windsor in 2023 before transferring to The Other Palace in London.
The play follows two older men who meet while walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath, and what begins as a casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship – and perhaps something more.
The film’s cast includes Stephen Fry, Jessica Gunning, Dame Joanna Lumley (The Wolf Of Wall Street), Choice Winner, Derek Jacobi, Ncuti Gatwa, and Siân Phillips.
Ian McKellen and Roger Allam kickstarted work on the film adaptation of their stage show Frank and Percy on a windy Worthing Beach on Tuesday
Ian previously hit out at the decision to include trigger notices on the play, after a warning was placed on the theatre’s website saying the show contains strong language, sexual references and discussions of bereavement and cancer.
Speaking to Sky News about the play, Ian said: ‘Outside theatres and in the lobbies, including this one, the audience is warned “there is a loud noise and at one point, there are flashing lights”, “there is reference to smoking”, “there is reference to bereavement”.’
He added: ‘I think it’s ludicrous, myself, yes, absolutely. I quite like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage.’
It’s not the first time the X-Men and Lord of The Rings star has slammed aspects of contemporary theatre production.
In February the legendary actor blasted the ‘irrelevant’ jobs such as intimacy coordinators for ruining the ‘purity’ of modern theatre.
He told Simon Armitage on The Poet Laureate Has Gone To His Shed podcast, theatre has seen many changes and ‘not always for the better’.
Sir Ian’s stage and film career has spanned more than six decades, but he sparked concern when he fell off the stage of the Noel Coward theatre in London’s West End last year.
The actor, who was playing Sir John Falstaff in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, was hospitalised and suffered a chipped vertebra and fractured wrist forcing him to pull out of the rest of the run.
The acting veterans have reunited to star in the cinematic adaptation of Ben Weatherill’s play of the same name, following a West End run in 2023
The play follows two older men who meet while walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath, and what begins as a casual conversation gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship
He later said he felt ‘ashamed’ and ’emotional’ for letting down West End audiences, and said that it had made him ‘aware there isn’t much time left.’
In August, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’
‘Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me,’ Ian continued on X.
‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience,’ he added.
Sir Ian announced that he was having ‘physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home’ after three nights in hospital.
The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage, and was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help.
In his statement, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.
‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast.
‘The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’
Ian made a brief return to the stage with an unscheduled appearance in pantomime Robin Hood, at the London Palladium in December.
