It’s a big knight for the Plaza (From Basingstoke Gazette)

It’s a big knight for the Plaza

9:59am Friday 26th October 2012 in Romsey

The amateur cast of the latest production at Romsey’s Plaza Theatre have every right to feel extra nervous tomorrow night when they’ll be watched by stage and screen star, Sir Ian McKellen.

Sir Ian is set to attend a performance of Love Off the Shelf by Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS).

The Lord of the Rings and X-Men star is coming to Romsey in answer to an invitation to attend the annual meeting of the Little Theatre Guild, of which he is patron, which is taking place at the Plaza this year.

RAODS’ Little Theatre Guild representative, Bob Heather, said: “It’s a feather in our cap that we have managed to get him to come down. It’s prestigious to have the conference here and to get him is the icing and cherry on top of the cake.

“I think everyone respects him. We certainly do.”

Mr Heather said the RAODS performers had been preparing as normal.

“They’re looking forward to it,” he added.

The Little Theatre Guild (LTG) is made up of amateur societies from around the country that own their own theatres.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who will soon be seen reprising his role as the wizard Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, said: “Like many professional actors, I am a graduate of the Little Theatre Guild, whose member theatres are spread across the country.

“In many places, the local Little Theatre is an outlet for anyone who enjoys putting on plays, in whatever capacity. Audiences who don’t live close to a professional theatre are grateful beneficiaries.

“At Wigan Little Theatre, I saw my first Macbeth and Twelfth Night and at Bolton Little Theatre, as a youth, I relished acting alongside veteran amateurs whose dedication and talent remain, 60 years on, an inspiring example.”