X-Men stars to reunite for Edinburgh show

X-MEN stars Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart will be reunited on stage at the King's Theatre for a new production of Waiting for Godot.

The two Hollywood stars were enemies on screen, when Stewart's Professor Xavier battled against the evil Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants in the series of blockbusting films based on Marvel Comics' characters.

But now the pair will play two tramps who clown around together while waiting for the mysterious Godot, who never appears. The play will open in Edinburgh next April, ahead of its opening in London later that month.

The two stars have a long and varied stage and film history but for recent generations are perhaps best known for their Hollywood blockbusters.

Sir Ian is recognised worldwide as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings franchise. His co-star is known to millions as Professor Xavier and Star Trek Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

It will be the first time Sir Ian has performed in the Capital for almost 20 years.

The play will be directed by award-winning director Sean Mathias of the Theatre Royal Haymarket Company.

King's Theatre chief executive John Stalker said: "It's not often you get actors like this on tour round about the country. We're delighted they both specifically wanted to come to Edinburgh.

"It will be fascinating to see such big actors, in both senses, on stage together. Both the roles are very malleable and take on the characters of the actors playing them.

"Ian McKellen is held in very great affection. He's equally at home in Lord of the Rings as Coronation Street. I think it will be an exhilarating experience. I expect it will sell out quite quickly."

Sir Ian said: "Waiting for Godot is the perfect job for me. It's nearly 20 years since I was in Edinburgh at the King's with the National Theatre's Richard III."

He will be playing Estragon, who chats to his friend Vladimir, played by Stewart, as they wait beside the road for Godot.

Stewart said: "I think the appeal of Waiting For Godot is in its humour, its Morecambe and Wise badinage, its mystery and sense of peril and terror, but mostly in its towering humanity.

"Ian McKellen and I have worked together recently on the X-Men film trilogy. Working in the theatre as opposed to film means days will be shorter, the dressing rooms more uncomfortable and with this play in particular there will be fewer beautiful women to chat up."

The play will be performed from Monday 13 to Saturday, April 18. Tickets are available from today on 0131-529 6000.