Sir Ian McKellan to star in a one-night-only production of ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ with an all-trans and non-binary cast

Legendary queer Brit actor Sir Ian McKellan celebrated his 86th Birthday this week by announcing that he will take the stage this summer in a one-night-only production of Twelfth Night featuring an all-trans and nonbinary cast. He will join the innovative theatre group Trans What You Will for a staged reading of Shakespeare’s gender-fluid comedy on July 25, 2025 at The Space Theatre in East London and live-streamed globally for audiences around the world. In a statement from the theatre group said, “This production makes that queerness explicit, reclaiming the story through the lived experiences of trans and nonbinary artists. With mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and declarations of love across shifting gender roles, Twelfth Night has long explored the complexity of identity.” By placing trans and nonbinary performers at the center of the narrative, the production becomes both a celebration and a protest—a vibrant act of visibility in a time when trans rights and representation are increasingly under threat across the UK and globally. The show will take place just ahead of London Trans+ Pride, further cementing its role as a beacon of empowerment for the trans and nonbinary community. All profits from the production will be donated to Not A Phase, a UK-based charity dedicated to uplifting the lives of trans adults through community outreach, education, and support services. The organization works closely with grassroots movements to offer resources and build safer, more inclusive spaces.

The announcement of this performance arrives at a politically charged time for LGBTQ+ people in the UK (and the US) Recent policies and legal rulings—such as those affecting access to healthcare, public facilities, and media representation for trans individuals—have spurred backlash and renewed calls for trans-inclusive storytelling.

Tickets for both the in-person and online events are now available via The Space Theatre website. Viewers are encouraged to reserve early, as demand is expected to be high, especially with McKellen’s involvement and the production’s relevance during Pride seas