SIR Ian McKellen has headed east to showcase the work of Shakespeare — as commemorations to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death continue.

The Bolton actor is in China as part of the British Council’s Shakespeare Lives scheme, and has also taken the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City imperial palace.

He will launch Shakespeare on Film at Shanghai International Film Festival on June 13, a collection of films showing how British cinema has transformed and reimagined Shakespeare’s work.

The former Bolton School pupil is best known in China for his portrayal of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, but the festival will also showcase his role as one of the most acclaimed Shakespearean actors.

He will attend a screening of his starring role in Richard III, with other films being shown including Henry V and Hamlet starring Laurence Olivier, Roman Polanski's Macbeth, and Hamlet starring Sir Kenneth Branagh.

Sir Ian said: "400 years on, Shakespeare’s plays continue to dominate stages worldwide, mostly of course in translation, challenging actors, directors, designers and audiences.

"The BFI’s Shakespeare on Film is more than just timely, it is a glimpse of the matchless collection of brilliant endeavour from world-beating Shakespeare experts whose films have popularised over the years. Their theatre-roots are evident. They have respect for the text and cut lines with regret.

"Other directors have successfully translated the stage plays for the screen, aiming, perhaps to make great cinema rather than great Shakespeare."

In addition, on June 12 Sir Ian will give a talk at the Shanghai Theatre Academy as part of the British Council's Smart Talks programme, which brings the UK’s best minds and creative experts to China to share their personal experience and professional insights.

Previous speakers have included Sir Richard Branson and Sir Patrick Stewart.

Nick Marchand, director of arts and creative industries at the British Council China, said: “The reaction in China to Shakespeare this year is beyond our wildest dreams — with audiences responding enthusiastically to works from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Halle Orchestra.

"In Ian McKellen, we are privileged to welcome another great UK cultural icon. In one of the most menacing and powerful Richard III’s ever to grace the screen, his presence is a highlight of Shakespeare Lives in China, and the Shakespeare on Film programme at Shanghai International Film Festival."