Bolton School Senior Boys
Naming the Sir Ian McKellen Studio Theatre
Sir Ian McKellen attended Bolton School from 1951-58 and, during his time, was Captain (Head Boy). Sir Ian has very fond memories of the School where his love for acting was first nurtured. During his visit to the School in 2010, he put his name to the boys' drama studio, gave a GCSE Drama masterclass and spoke to the Lit and Deb Society about tolerance and gay rights.
Read a full recap of his day in the Boys' Division here.

Old Boy, Sir Ian McKellen Visits

Old Boy, Sir Ian McKellen Visits 2

Sir Ian McKellen, Captain 1957-58

Sir Ian McKellen, Captain 1957-58 2

Inspecting the boards

Sir Ian views photos of past productions

The unveiling ceremony 1

With Miss Liptrott

Unveiling Ceremony 2

Unveiling Ceremony 3

Unveiling Ceremony 4

Unveiling Ceremony 5

Unveiling Ceremony 6

Sir Ian Visits the McKellen Theatre Studio

Miss Liptrott explains the premise of the GCSE lesson

The boys perform their sketches

Sir Ian Feeds Back

Sir Ian Feeds Back 2

Antony Cotton, Sir Ian's friend, helps with the feedback

More Feedback

More Sketches

Antony Cotton (Sean Tully in Coronation Street) helps out

Sir Ian Reminisces

Don't Hide Behind the Furniture

Sir Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen 2

Sir Ian McKellen 3

Sir Ian McKellen 4

Sir Ian McKellen 5

Sir Ian McKellen 6

Sir Ian McKellen 7

Sir Ian McKellen 8

Sir Ian McKellen 9

Sir Ian McKellen 10

Sir Ian McKellen 11

Sir Ian McKellen 12

Sir Ian McKellen 13

Sir Ian McKellen 14

Sir Ian McKellen 15

Sir Ian McKellen 16

Sir Ian with the GCSE class

Time for a photoshoot

Happy to sign autographs

Antony Cotton

The Headmaster thanks Sir Ian

Sir Ian with the boys

Sir Ian with the boys 2

Miss Liptrott with Sir Ian and Anthony Cotton

Sir Ian signs the Studio Theatre wall

Sir Ian and Antony Cotton walk the corridor

Off for a spot of lunch