STAGE and screen star Sir Ian McKellen will visit two North-East theatres next week.

The Shakespearean actor and star of films including Lord of the Rings and X-Men will visit Durham’s City Theatre and Sunderland’s Royalty Theatre on Tuesday.

Sir Ian’s mini-tour is part of his role as patron of the Little Theatre Guild.

In Durham, he will meet members of Durham Dramatic Society and take a tour of its tiny, 71-seater venue.

In Sunderland, he will watch the Royalty’s production of Macbeth.

Macbeth is at The Royalty Theatre, Sunderland, from January 24 to 29. For tickets, call Sunderland’s Tourist Information Centre on 0191-5532000.