In 2019 Sir Ian McKellen will celebrate his 80th Birthday by going back to where it all began, returning to Wigan Little Theatre where The Fire Within was lit when he saw his first Shakespeare production as a child. Sir Ian grew up in Wigan during World War Two and makes regular visits back to his home town, pictured here performing a sell-out solo appearance at the Old Courts during Wigan Pride. The Old Courts are currently renovating the extraordinary Royal Court Theatre, ushering an exciting new era of theatre and live performance into our borough.