SIR Ian McKellen will play two shows in Burnley next year as part of his 80th birthday tour.

He will bring his one-man show to Burnley Youth Theatre for an afternoon performance and then play Burnley Mechanics in the evening.

Sir Ian, one of the country's most respected actors, said: "I was born in Burnley 80 years ago, though we moved to Wigan when I was two months old. These are my first performances in my hometown, in support of Burnley Youth Theatre’s work with young people, encouraging their interest in live theatre

"I’m celebrating my 80th birthday by touring a new solo show to theatres I know well and a few that I don’t. 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. I open at my local arts centre in January and end up by August in Orkney.

"Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience. Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I’ve always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself, with the RSC, the National Theatre, Prospect Theatre, the Actors’ Company, as well as with commercial productions."

Sir Ian will come to Burnley on Thursday, May 23 with the performance at Burnley Youth Theatre at 2.30pm and at the Mechanics at 7.30pm.

Tickets are now on sale from the youth theatre on 01282 427767 or www.burnleyyouththeatre.org or from the Mechanics on 01282 664400, www.burnleymechanics.co.uk