Taylor Russell Joins Ian McKellen in Lear as Extra Performances Are Announced

Ian McKellen has played King Lear more than 700 times, but his latest encounter with Shakespeare’s troubled monarch will be rather different, with Taylor Russell joining him in a production that has already attracted extraordinary demand.

Russell, whose film credits include Bones and All and Waves, will play Cordelia opposite McKellen in Lear, a new work at London’s Yard Theatre that explores the actor’s longstanding relationship with one of Shakespeare’s most demanding characters.

Her casting was announced on Thursday 29 October 2026, alongside additional Christmas and New Year performances after the original allocation of tickets sold out in less than 30 minutes.

What makes Ian McKellen’s new Lear different?

Rather than presenting a conventional revival of Shakespeare’s tragedy, the production combines material from King Lear with conversations between McKellen and director Jay Miller.

Written by Simon Stephens and Miller, the play draws on McKellen’s experience of performing Lear 708 times, exploring what happens when an actor returns to a character who has accompanied him through different stages of his life.

Shakespeare’s original tragedy follows an ageing king whose decision to divide his kingdom between his daughters leads to betrayal, family conflict and devastating consequences.

Cordelia, Lear’s youngest daughter, refuses to exaggerate her affection for her father when he demands declarations of love from his children. Her honesty sets her apart from her sisters, Goneril and Regan, but also leads to her rejection.

Russell’s involvement places that complicated father-daughter relationship at the centre of a production already examining ageing, personal identity and the relationship between an actor and his work.

Why is Taylor Russell’s casting significant?

Russell has built an international film career through performances in Waves, Bones and All and Escape Room, bringing experience of emotionally demanding roles to the new production.

Her casting also creates an interesting contrast between two performers at different stages of their careers, with McKellen returning to a character he has inhabited for decades.

Although Cordelia is one of the most recognisable roles in King Lear, the production’s unconventional structure means audiences should not necessarily expect a traditional interpretation of the character.

Further details about how the new work incorporates Shakespeare’s original scenes have not been fully disclosed.

When do the extra Lear tickets go on sale?

Lear runs at The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick from 17 November 2026 until 2 January 2027, with additional performances announced for 12, 24, 26 and 31 December and 1 January.

Priority booking opens to Yard Residents on 3 November and Yard Regulars on 4 November, before general booking begins at noon on Thursday 5 November.

The production forms part of the opening season at The Yard’s new theatre building and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over.

Tickets and performance information are available through The Yard Theatre.