April 12, 2007 | Celeb Watch

Ian McKellen lets it all hang out

There are lots of actors that you've probably dreamed of seeing naked on stage. Brad Pitt. Jake Gyllenhaal. George Clooney. We'll wager Sir Ian McKellen isn't on your list. While he may not be your typical celebrity boy toy, the 67-year-old "Lord of the Rings" star is bearing it all -- ready or not -- in a new British production of William Shakespeare's "King Lear," in which he plays the title role.

According to Gay.com, McKellen -- who is openly gay -- "tears off his clothes" during a stormy scene in which he shouts, "Off you lendings! Come unbutton here." That's English for, "Get off me, clothes!" In other productions, Lear is typically prevented by a jester from taking his clothes off.

"The nudity takes place in the storm scene where Lear is going mad and is a very moving part in the play," a play spokesman told London's Telegraph, according to Gay.com. "However, they do intend to warn school groups in advance when the play opens on April 3."

The "warning," says the Telegraph, is a response to preview performances, during which audience members were reportedly taken aback by McKellen's aged twig and berries. The theater company will now post warnings in the lobby alerting theatergoers of Lear's nudity.

Of course, McKellen isn't the only Brit actor to dropping trou on stage. As widely reported, Daniel Radcliffe of "Harry Potter" fame is also nude in London's latest production of "Equus," the story of a man and his horses.  If you're crossing the pond this spring, consider checking both shows out;  which you'll prefer depends on whether you like your meat rare or well done.

• King Leer? Ian McKellen strips for Shakespeare [Gay.com]