A groundbreaking moment in queer theatre is about to take the stage – and none other than Sir Ian McKellen will be there to open it.
A brand-new company, Trans What You Will, is set to make its bold debut next month with a one-night-only rehearsed reading of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night, led entirely by trans and non-binary performers.
Mark your calendars: this unique event will unfold at The Space Theatre in London on 25 July 2025, just one day before London Trans Pride, and will also be available globally via livestream.
Bringing a touch of Shakespearean royalty, the evening will open with a special appearance by Sir Ian McKellen – the legendary actor known for his powerful performances in roles like Macbeth, King Lear, and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.
“This play already toys with gender and performance – it feels like Shakespeare wrote it for us,” shared Phoebe Kemp (they/them), the production’s director. “This reading is about joy, solidarity, and showing what’s possible when trans and nonbinary artists are at the centre of the story.”
Twelfth Night is a comedy famous for mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and love that defies convention – themes that feel more relevant than ever in today’s conversations about gender identity.
Viola, the main character, survives a shipwreck and disguises herself as a man, which sets off a chaotic chain of romance, confusion, and heartfelt revelations.
A spokesperson for Trans What You Will noted: “With mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and declarations of love across shifting gender roles, Twelfth Night has long explored the complexity of identity. This production makes that queerness explicit, reclaiming the story through the lived experiences of trans and nonbinary artists.”
In a time when trans rights and representation face increasing scrutiny, this production isn’t holding back – it’s a celebration. And even better? All profits from the performance will go to Not a Phase, a UK charity supporting the lives of trans and gender-diverse people.
Sir Ian McKellen’s support sends a powerful message. As one of the world’s most respected LGBTQ+ advocates and Shakespearean actors, his involvement is both deeply symbolic and emotionally resonant.
Whether you’re watching in person or tuning in from across the globe, this promises to be a transformative night of theatre — not just reimagining Shakespeare, but reimagining who gets to tell these iconic stories.
Source: https://metro.co.uk
