The Hobbit star Sir Ian McKellen is downing his staff and pointy blue hat at weekends, to perform a special one-man show in N Z centres to raise funds solely to restore Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal. Direct from the Miramar studios, Sir Ian will spend his weekends in May and June performing Ian McKellen on Stage at local theatres around the country.

 All proceeds will go directly to repair Christchurch'c Isaac Theatre Royal which was badly damaged in the series of 2011 earthquakes. Ian McKellen on Stage is a new show, devised in part by the audience... In this unique fundraiser, you can ask any question at all about Sir Ian's work and life, as he retraces his journey from the north of England to the West End of London, to Broadway, Hollywood and to Middle East. 

There will be chat, reminiscence, gossip and performances from his Shakespeare and Tolkien repertoire - and maybe a chance to act with him onstage! All income will go directly to repair Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal - visit www.isaactheatreroyal.co.nz for details on the recovery."Basically it will be a party. Do come!" Sir Ian says, "the last time I was on stage in New Zealand was at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Waiting for Godot. I love this beautiful old theatre and want to help restore it as soon as possible."