Cash-driven actors ruining Brit theatre, says Sir Ian McKellen

LONDON - British drama is witnessing a steep decline because of actors who are working in theatre for the love of money, and not acting, said Sir Ian McKellen.

“Once someone declares they are a professional actor, they can now perform wherever they want. There is no system any more,” The Telegraph quoted the stage veteran as saying.

“All those drama school messages like, ‘You are on your own in this business’ and ‘Get yourself an agent’ or ‘Don’t believe another actor who gives you a note on your performance’ are only a part of the picture,” added ‘The Lord of the Ring’ star.

McKellen, who is a vice-president of the National Youth Theatre, said he was dismayed at those who choose their roles based on how much they pay rather than on their theatrical merits.

He added that progressing up the ranks through school productions and amateur dramatics was a disappearing trend these days.

“Amateur theatre has underpinned all the theatre in this country and the chance to act with others is useful even for those who do not want to make a career,” he said.

He added that the diminished power of Equity had left stage actors living on meagre salaries, with the result that young talent shied away from working in the theatre in favour of on-screen roles.

“One used to be able to live quite handsomely on a West End salary. Now you can’t,” he said. (ANI)