Sir Ian McKellen named honorary citizen of Christchurch

Tuesday 18 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Tue 18 Aug, 10:57am

The 87-year-old actor has been named an honorary citizen of Christchurch. He returned to the Isaac Theatre Royal, a venue he helped save by raising $350,000 for its earthquake rebuild.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 18 Aug, 10:25am

   Sir Ian McKellen named honorary citizen of Christchurch after helping raise $350,000 for iconic Theatre Royal (opens in new tab)

2. The PressTue 18 Aug, 10:57am

   Sir Ian McKellen returns to Christchurch theatre he helped save (opens in new tab)