Sir Ian McKellen has mentioned he isn’t a fan of how fashionable theatre audiences are mollycoddled with warning indicators pandering to sensitivities.

Speaking to Sky News forward of the primary evening of the London switch of his new play Frank and Percy, the 84-year-old X-Men and Lord Of The Rings star mentioned: “Outside theatres the viewers is warned ‘there’s a loud noise’, ‘there are flashing lights’, ‘there’s a reference to smoking’, ‘there may be reference to bereavement’…

“I like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage.”

Should his co-star Roger Allam be frightened?

Arguably, the actor – greatest recognized for his roles in Endeavor and The Thick Of It – is aware of what he is stepping into as this is not the primary time he has labored with Sir Ian on stage.

In 2004, they shared a dressing room whereas performing in panto on the Old Vic’s manufacturing of Aladdin.

Almost 20 years on and this two-hander is moderately totally different, described by Allam as “an old guy gay romcom” about two males who meet strolling their canines.

Exploring grief, loss of life and ageing.

“When I read it I just saw it as a comedy,” Sir Ian explains.

“I didn’t really think of it as being a gay play, but of course it is.”

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A outstanding LGBTQ campaigner, Sir Ian believes the actual fact audiences appear to “revel in” seeing their romance unfold onstage suggests “that the world has actually become a better place over the last 10 years”.

Both actors really feel that it’s short-sighted that want in center age is a topic so not often tackled by scriptwriters in TV, movie or theatre.

As Sir Ian explains: “In this case, it’s grandparents having sex… and people are living longer and presumably having sex longer.

“[While] all of us wish to see younger individuals and we’re remembering what it was like… truly older individuals could be a lot extra fascinating than younger individuals as a result of they have been by much more.”

Certainly the case with Sir Ian having performed arch-villains, smart wizards and picked up six Oliviers over time.

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But what’s it like starring reverse him in “an old guy gay romcom”?

It would appear there’s a substantial factor of teasing…

Delivering a pointy jab to the ribs, Sir Ian says: “He’s fun to tease, is Roger.”

“Did you see that?” Allam pleads.

Frank and Percy is at The Other Palace, London till 17 December.