Sir Ian McKellen is to give a special performance in Cumbria next year.

The star of stage and screen is to appear in his latest one man show as he celebrates his 80th birthday year.

He will take to the stage at the Theatre by the Lake for an evening of anecdotes and performances as some of his best known characters.

The event will have a special significance for the actor who not only has roots in the county but also cherished links with the Keswick theatre.

He explained: “Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I’ve always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself.

“I used to see the touring Century Theatre, which ended up by the lake in Keswick.

“So my debut here is in gratitude for those long-ago productions and for the other times when I have seen the company at work in Keswick.

“The Lake District is my favourite part of the country, which is another reason I wanted to bring you my new show.”

Just over two years ago, the acclaimed actor, who is renowned for his Shakespearian roles, Cumbria as part of research into his family history for the BBC1 programme Who Do You Think You Are?

It was revealed that one of Sir Ian’s relatives had been a printer and he spent time at Tullie House Museum viewing a picture and finding out more about him.

Sir Ian was born in Lancashire and was an acclaimed stage actor before gaining a whole new generation of fans through his roles as the wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, as well as in the adaptations of The Hobbit, and as supervillain Magneto in the original X-Men films.

He is also well-known for his lobbying on the cause of gay rights and was one of the founders of campaigning group Stonewall.

Sir Ian will be appearing at the theatre next August and as well as recalling moments from his glittering career, there will also be an opportunity for a member of the audience to join him on stage.

Tickets do not go on sale until January. For more information, go to www.theatrebythelake.com