Sir Ian takes in Coliseum panto

OLDHAM visit . . . Sir Ian McKellen.

“LORD of the Rings” star Sir Ian McKellen made a surprise visit to the borough to indulge in a panto performance at the Oldham Coliseum.

Along with “Coronation Street” pal Antony Cotton, who plays Weatherfield knicker-stitcher and part-time barman Sean Tulley, he enjoyed Oldham’s latest festive offering, “Sleeping Beauty”.

No stranger to the Street or pantomime, the star, who played Gandalf in the film adaptation of Tolkien’s trilogy, starred as Widow Twanky in “Aladdin” at the Old Vic in 2004.

He thought Fine Time Fontayne, the show’s dame, was “fantastic”.

The show runs until January 8.