Sir Ian McKellen’s recent one-man show at Park Theatre raised £250,000.

Islington Gazette: Park Theatre director Jez Bond and Sir Ian McKellen. Picture: Park TheatrePark Theatre director Jez Bond and Sir Ian McKellen. Picture: Park Theatre (Image: Archant)

At the start of the month, Sir Ian did nine performances of “Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others and You” to raise money for the theatre in Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park.

Tickets were deliberately expensive, starting at £85. Artistic director, Jez Bond, explained: “As a charity not in receipt of public funding, this is a vital injection of cash. It will enable us to increase our financial reserves and designate a pot of money from which to produce more in-house work, continuing to provide accessible and affordable theatre for everybody as we move forward.

“We have been overwhelmed by the public response, and also by the generosity of Ian. Making every effort to ensure that we maximised the fundraising potential for that week, the gruelling schedule he undertook is a true testament to his character.”