Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen was in Taranaki this weekend to raise money for Christchurch’s earthquake ravaged theatre.
McKellen, who is in New Zealand to reprise his role as Gandalf in The Hobbit movies, has taken time out to tour 11 centres with a one man show to raise funds to rebuild Christchurch's historic Isaac Theatre Royal.
His tour kicked off in the small Taranaki town of Stratford.
He told the New Zealand Herald he had fond memories of the Christchurch theatre.
"The last time I was on stage in New Zealand was at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Waiting for Godo.,” he said.
“ I love this beautiful old theatre and want to help restore it as soon as possible," he said.
