A 300-seat theatre in Edinburgh has been named in honour of veteran actor Sir Sir Ian McKellen, following his stellar performance in Hamlet at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, with the venue's first production set to be revealed next week.

The Ian McKellen Theatre at Saint Stephens is built underneath Ashton Hall, which was named Best Event Theatre by Theatre Weekly, and McKellen commented 'Peter Schaufuss’ unique contribution to Edinburgh’s cultural life, during and beyond the annual festival, is now enhanced by his new theatre at St Stephens. I am honoured that it will bear my name'.