Precious moments as Sir Ian McKellen lords it up in Dorset (From Bournemouth Echo)

Precious moments as Sir Ian McKellen lords it up in Dorset

7:00am Monday 6th April 2009 in

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FILM fans in Sturminster Newton were left star struck when a world-famous actor dropped in for a visit.

Sir Ian McKellen spent the day at The Exchange yesterday in a bid to help raise cash and its profile.

He introduced three of his films – The Fellowship of the Ring, the first UK screening of Neverwas, and Richard III – discussing his roles in them beforehand.

After the screenings he was on hand to meet fans and sign autographs, with film buffs young and old queuing up – many with Lord of the Rings DVDs in hand.

Sir Ian, who played Gandalf in the blockbuster film trilogy, was invited to Sturminster Newton by Kerry Gardner, a former actor and agent, under the Dress Circle project, which brings big names to rural venues.

Sir Ian, who is currently starring in the play Waiting for Godot with Patrick Stewart, told the Daily Echo: “Kerry, who’s an acquaintance of mine, and myself met when I was unveiling a plaque to Alastair Sim on his old house in Hampstead.

“He told me about The Exchange and what he was trying to do in bringing events here, he asked if I would be interested. I have a free day today, so here we are.”

The day was organised to help raise funds for a permanent cinema at the venue, as films are currently projected onto a white wall.

Sir Ian added: “It’s important to the people who live locally. Clearly this has been a popular day. The range of activities that can go on here is terrific.

“They’re hoping to buy a proper screen so they can get proper projection, so any money today will go towards that, and that will be an asset.”