Images Dated 26th June 1976

Ian McKellen, pictured in Stratford Upon Avon, Midlands

Ian McKellen, pictured in Stratford Upon Avon, Midlands.
Ian will be casting superstition to the wind when he takes on a leading role at Stratford Upon Avon next month. For Ian (seen here) is defying the theatre legend which says you must not mention the name of MacBeth especially before an opening night.
Theatre people who believe it brings bad luck to mention the name refer only to "the Scottish play". But Ian, who will play the title role at The Other Place in Stratford, opening on 4th August said "I don't believe in superstition". "But once when I mentioned the name Macbeth in another actor's dressing room he made me go outside, turn round three times and recite a blessing to remove the curse" "Most people in the theatre take it very seriously"
Picture taken 26th June 1976

© Mirrorpix