Discover the story of one of Britain's most cherished performers as he turns 80. From his upbringing living through the war, working through repertory and West End theatre becoming a pioneering stage star, coming out and being a leader in the campaign for equality, to his mainstream film breakouts as Magneto and Gandalf, McKellen's work and influence transcends generations, celebrated here in this fully authorised insight. 'McKellen: Playing the Part' features unprecedented access to private photo albums, a wealth of never-before-seen archive material, including diaries written when he was 12, and unseen behind the scenes of theatre shows and films, alongside his personal thoughts on a life long lived. ★★★★ "Director Joe Stephenson paints a beautiful portrait, but the actor’s sensitivity, storytelling and strength of character are captivating enough" - Alex Godfrey, Time Out ★★★★ "An absolute treat of an interview with a man who has told other people’s stories wonderfully for decades" - Olly Richards, Empire ★★★★ "He is never less than beguiling" - Ed Potton, The Times