It seems Sir Ian McKellen was mistaken for a beggar as he sat outside a theater in costume according to an article in the UK’s Telegraph.

In the article he said, “During the dress rehearsal of Godot, I crouched by the stage door of the Comedy Theatre, getting some air, my bowler hat at my feet (and) seeing an unkempt old man down on his luck, a passer-by said, ‘Need some help, brother?’ and put a dollar in my hat.” You can read the whole story and see a funny photo right here.

From whatsplaying.com Speaking to Melbourne’s Play yesterday, Sir Ian McKellen – currently appearing in an Australian production of Waiting for Godot at the Comedy Theatre – says he had expected to start work on the first of the two Hobbit movies a few weeks ago. “That should have started in April but they didn’t contact me about a contract until a few weeks ago and we’re in negotiation”, the actor, who’d be reprising his Lord of the Rings‘ role Gandalf for the film, said. “I shall see (director) Guillermo del Toro and (executive producer) Peter Jackson when I’m in New Zealand after we’ve been to Australia and well find out more then.” More..

Linuxelf continues to load up the YouTube library of yesteryear. Heading up today’s entries is fun New Zealand television coverage from our own “Return of the One Party”. They (channel 3) call it the “Three Ring Party” and later refer to it as New Line’s party, never quite catching on that it was a fan organized gathering. But they did talk to site friend and expert costumer Judy (look for the beard) and reported from our stage while Emerald Rose is playing.

After the video below are links to fun interviews with the likes of Peter Jackson, Orlando Bloom & Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen, Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood and John Rhys-Davies as well as footage of fans touring Edoras.

Interviews
Tour of Edoras

Ataahua sent in the tip: But British actor Sir Ian McKellen – best known for his role as Gandalf in the Rings sword and sorcery epic – said on his website that he would reprise the role of the grey-haired wizard and expected shooting to begin this June. More..