Ian McKellen has raised over £5 million for people working in the theatre industry who have been impacted by the pandemic.

The actor and activist has licensed the recording of his one man show Ian McKellen On Stage, which toured the UK a couple of years ago to celebrate his 80th birthday. Proceeds from the show’s partnership with National Theatre and Amazon Prime are being put into a fund for emerging producers to cover actors’ salaries.

McKellen said: “Performing Ian McKellen on Stage was a joy and I am delighted it can now be viewed on Amazon Prime Video as filmed by National Theatre Live. As our theatres re-open, I’m very pleased to be able to support producers and artists who have really struggled over the last year.”

Grants of up to £25,000 will be given to producers to pay actors’ wages for both new plays and revivals across UK theatres.