McKellen strips off for storm scene in 'Lear'
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Independent Minds
Sir Ian McKellen made a sensational return to Shakespearean theatre at the weekend after an absence of nearly two decades.
Taking the lead role in King Lear, at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Courtyard Theatre in Stratford- upon-Avon, McKellen, 67, tore off his clothes in the "storm scene", to stand naked in front of the preview audience. In the scene, a disturbed Lear says: "Off, off you lendings! [clothes] Come unbutton here." But the character is usually stopped from tearing off his clothes by a Shakespearean fool.
The RSC said it had received no formal complaints, but a number of spectators were reportedly dismayed by the incident and said they had received no prior warning. A spokeswoman said when the play officially opened on 3 April there would be warning notices in the foyer.
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