Trans What You Will will launch its debut production with a rehearsed reading of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, entirely directed by and starring trans and non-binary performers.
The one-night-only reading, which is being directed by Phoebe Kemp, will be opened by Sir Ian McKellen at The Space Theatre in London on 25 July. It will also be available to watch globally via livestream.
One of Shakespeare’s most gender-fluid comedies, Twelfth Night centres on Viola, who washes up on the shores of Illyria after being separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck.
Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario to work for Duke Orsino and falls in love with him, though the Duke is in love with the Countess Olivia. Olivia, however, falls for Cesario, unaware he's a woman in disguise, causing various hijinks to ensue.
"Twelfth Night already toys with gender and performance — it feels like Shakespeare wrote it for us," said Kemp.
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"This reading is about joy, solidarity, and showing what’s possible when trans and nonbinary artists are at the centre of the story."
"With mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and declarations of love across shifting gender roles, Twelfth Night has long explored the complexity of identity," added a Trans What You Will spokesperson.
"This production makes that queerness explicit, reclaiming the story through the lived experiences of trans and nonbinary artists."
All profits from the production will be donated to Not a Phase, a UK-based charity that is committed to uplifting and improving the lives of trans+ adults.
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In other news, McKellen revealed last year that Gandalf will appear in future Lord of the Rings movies, with two live-action films – The Hunt for Gollum and a currently untitled film – in the works.
"I've just been told there are going to be more films, and Gandalf will be involved, and they hope that I'll be playing him," McKellen said.
"When? I don't know. What the script is? It's not written yet. So they better be quick!"
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
