There will be a new famous voice at a theatre in Twickenham this weekend at a production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.
The Richmond Shakespeare Society (RSS), founded in 1934 by former actress Gladys Eriksen, is currently preparing to perform its rendition of The Winter’s Tale at the Mary Wallace Theatre in Twickenham between 25 October and 1 November.
But it will be one of theatre’s greatest voices that greets people at the start.
Sir Ian McKellen, an avid theatre and film affiliate known for his roles in Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit and The X-men franchise, has done some voice work for the theatre.
Harry Medawar, RSS chairman, said: “He has an open invitation from his friends here at RSS to come to any of our productions, but we do appreciate that he is an extremely busy man.
“That is why we were absolutely amazed and honoured that he agreed to take the time to record our front of house announcements.”
McKellen is known to play an active role in supporting small theatres through his role as Patron with the Little Theatre Guild, where during his time there he has promised to try and visit all 100 members of the Guild.
The RSS’ production of The Winter’s Tale will be the first production hosted by the Mary Wallace Theatre with these announcements in place.
The play’s director, Simon Bartlett, has been fascinated with theatre and Shakespearean literature since childhood, and is excited to be involved in a play he said you can do so much with, theatrically.
Bartlett said: “It is a tale of jealousy, death, revenge and love.
“But ultimately, it is reconciliation, hope and moving forward – the family coming back together again.
“Like all fairy tales, this is a timeless one. Yes, it’s got its own details, which mark it out as all fairy tales do, but it has that eternal feel to it.
It has been a busy year for the Richmond Shakespeare Society (RSS).
The Winter’s Tale will be its ninth production this year, it has partnered with Sir Ian McKellen, and now it is gearing up to perform its annual Young Actors production which will be Emil And The Detectives in February 2026.
Bartlett said the RSS is one of the only groups in the country to still produce regular open air productions, and last year it performed A Midsommer’s Night Dream in the gardens at Richmond Hill, marking the 90th anniversary of the society’s founding.
Historical value plays a huge role in why the society continues to provide a traditional theatre experience for a modern audience.
Bartlett said: “It is partly culture, partly history, but it’s also the sheer timelessness.”
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