Ian McKellen to appear through smart glasses in Manchester’s An Ark
The mixed reality play is set for its UK premiere at Aviva Studios in March 2027, with McKellen appearing as a recorded performer rather than on stage.
Ian McKellen is set to appear in the UK premiere of An Ark at Aviva Studios in Manchester from 27 March 2027, but he will not perform there in person. Audiences will see his recorded performance through smart glasses, according to the Guardian; Factory International lists performances beginning that day.
How audiences will see An Ark
The Guardian reports that the 47-minute play was filmed with four actors together in one take, using 52 cameras in Grenoble. The smart glasses project the performers into the room while leaving the audience’s surroundings visible.
Factory International’s listing shows performances from 27 to 30 March. The Guardian reports that the Manchester run is scheduled to continue until 10 April.
Sources and context
- Ian McKellen to star in UK premiere of ‘mixed reality’ play – but not in personThe Guardian
- What’s On — March 2027Factory International
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