Ian McKellen to Star in Mixed Reality Play in Manchester — SkimNews
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- Ian McKellen stars in An Ark, a mixed reality play premiering in the UK, appearing via virtual projection rather than live performance.
- Factory International presents the play at Aviva Studios from 27 March to 10 April, marking the UK premiere of the 47-minute production.
- John McGrath explains that mixed reality uses smart glasses to overlay virtual actors into the real world, differing from VR by preserving physical surroundings.
- An Ark was filmed in one take in Grenoble using 52 cameras, creating an intimate experience where actors appear to speak directly to viewers.
- Factory International plans public events to explore the ethics and future of mixed reality theatre technology alongside the production.
- Factory International will co-produce most works in its 2027 programme, including a major new production of Philip Glass’s Einstein on the Beach.
Why it matters: Theatre audiences will pay for performances where actors like McKellen appear only virtually, shifting expectations of live presence. This redefines intimacy in performance and sets a precedent for how legacy actors can participate in new formats without physical staging, altering production logistics and audience engagement models.
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