SIR Ian McKellen will spend his landmark 80th birthday on stage in his home town of Bolton.

The legendary actor will perform his new solo show at the Albert Halls on May 25.

He said: “I wanted to celebrate my 80th birthday in Bolton, where I grew up and discovered in its three professional theatres, a passion for acting, which has never faded.

“In the Town Hall, where my father was borough engineer, I’ll feel at home and grateful for all that Bolton nurtured in me at Bolton School, the Little Theatre and in Barrow Bridge where we lived close to the moors.

“The show starts with Gandalf and will probably end with an invitation to act with me on stage. In-between there will be anecdotes and acting.

“All profits will help with new seating in the Albert Halls Theatre. Happy birthday to me!”

His show will be part of an 80-date nationwide tourat theatres with which he has a specific connection.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “He is one the world’s biggest stars of stage and screen and he has always had Bolton close to his heart as it is where he acquired his love of acting and the theatre.

“Our town will make sure he has a birthday to remember.”