Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Trevor McDonald and more set for livestream events

The live events are in partnership with theatres and bookshops across the UK.

Fane, a production company best-known for its live tours and events for leading figures from the arts and culture have announced a series of exclusive livestream events, beginning in August. These events will feature an eclectic array of luminaries including Sir Ian McKellen, Arsene Wenger, Monty Don, Fatima Bhutto amongst others.

The streams have been created in partnership with eight theatres and theatrical organisations from across the UK and four independent bookshops, with the aim of helping to support theatre and the literary world during the ongoing Covid-19 shutdown. When event streams are purchased, audiences will have the opportunity also purchase a book by the author featured.

 "It has been a tough few months for everyone involved in the arts," said Fane's Managing Director Alex Fane, "so it gives us huge joy to be able to collaborate with so many areas of the industry to deliver a new, creative, exciting proposition. We believe that as soon as it is safe to do so audiences will rush back to theatres in great numbers, but until that point is reached we hope this comes as close as possible to being in the room with your favourite author, podcaster or actor."

The first livestreams are A Live Stream with Fortunately Podcast on 1 August, Armistead Maupin in Conversation with Sir Ian McKellen on 12 August, Brit Bennett on 13 August, and Sir Trevor McDonald on 16 August.

A full list of events and dates is available on London Theatre. Additional streams will announced later.