Sir Ian McKellen Opens All Trans, Non-Binary Shakespeare Play in London

Sir Ian McKellen will open a groundbreaking one-night-only rehearsed reading of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, featuring an all trans and non-binary cast and directed by Phoebe Kemp, who uses they/them pronouns. The production, staged by the new company Trans What You Will, will take place at The Space Theatre in London on July 25, coinciding with the eve of London Trans Pride, and will be livestreamed globally. Twelfth Night's themes of mistaken identity, gender disguise, and complex romantic entanglements resonate deeply with trans and non-binary experiences, making it a fitting choice for this celebratory reinterpretation. The production aims to highlight joy, solidarity, and the possibilities that arise when trans and non-binary artists are centered in storytelling, explicitly reclaiming the play's queerness. All proceeds will benefit Not a Phase, a UK charity supporting trans and gender-diverse adults. This event marks a significant milestone in queer theatre and broader representation amid ongoing discussions about trans rights and visibility.