Ian McKellen to appear in mixed‑reality play ‘An Ark’ at Manchester’s Aviva Studios
The 47‑minute play, written by Simon Stephens, will be shown through smart glasses from 27 March to 10 April.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Sir Ian McKellen will star in the UK premiere of the mixed‑reality theatre production An Ark at Factory International’s Aviva Studios in Manchester next spring, the arts organisation announced.
What happened
The production, a 47‑minute play by writer Simon Stephens, debuted in New York City earlier this year. For the Manchester run, four actors – including McKellen, Golda Rosheuvel, Arinze Kene and Rosie Sheehy – were filmed in a studio using 52 cameras in a single take. Audiences will watch the resulting volumetric recordings as 3D holographic videos through mixed‑reality glasses that also show the real surroundings.
What the reports add
Standard.co.uk notes that the show will be staged at Factory International’s Aviva Studios venue in spring 2027 and that the mixed‑reality glasses are designed to create “an impossibly close connection between actor and audience”. The Guardian adds that the play will run from 27 March to 10 April and quotes chief executive John McGrath explaining that mixed reality differs from virtual reality because the glasses project virtual elements into the physical space rather than isolating the viewer.
What was said
Sir Ian McKellen told Standard.co.uk, “A new Simon Stephens play is always an excitement but when it is written to be performed in this unique way, it feels more like an explosion.” He also said, “The four of us in front of 50 cameras simultaneously, relishing the chance to explore a new way of acting.”
John McGrath, chief executive of Factory International, told The Guardian, “Mixed reality is when you see both the virtual elements of an experience and also the real world around you.” He added, “His virtual presence will be there. He may well come and visit the play but you won’t see the real Ian McKellen performing.”
How it came about
Factory International revealed the production as part of its 2027 programme, following a trend of innovative theatre formats highlighted in recent Felo News coverage, such as the mixed‑reality elements in the upcoming Sacha Baron Cohen Tarantino play and the experimental staging of Milo Rau’s Pelicot Trial. The Manchester premiere builds on the New York debut, extending the mixed‑reality approach to UK audiences.
Key facts
- Ian McKellen will appear in the UK premiere of the mixed‑reality play An Ark in Manchester. (standard.co.uk)
- The play runs from 27 March to 10 April 2027 at Factory International’s Aviva Studios. (theguardian.com)
- Four actors were filmed with 52 cameras in a single take to create volumetric recordings. (theguardian.com)
- Audiences will watch the performance through smart glasses that overlay the actors onto the real space. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk
- [2] theguardian.com
