Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman, Luke Evans: Doing their Hobbit for Christchurch By Rachel Glucina (NZ HERALD)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fznfX4947A&feature=player_embedded

While some stars of Sir Peter Jackson's The Hobbit have enjoyed relaxing weekends, Sir Ian McKellen has toured his one-man show - Ian McKellen on Stage - around the country after working a five-day week on set.

 He's been raising funds for Christchurch's earthquake-damaged Isaac Theatre Royal. The tour ended at the weekend. On Saturday night, at Wellington's Opera House, Jackson and a collection of Hobbit stars - including Billy Connolly, James Nesbitt, Martin Freeman, Aiden Turner and Richard Armitage - were in the audience to watch McKellen's final performance.

 They took to the stage at the end, joining McKellen for a spot of Shakespeare. The invitation was extended to the crowd, too. "It's a good opportunity if anyone wants to come on to the stage and do a little bit of Shakespeare acting with me and the cast," McKellen invited.

 The audience did not need to be asked twice. Dozens raced on stage, eager to be a part of the action. Rounding his flock like a shepherd, McKellen gathered everyone around, gave a few instructions, then faced the audience and recited from Henry V. On cue, The Hobbit stars and the audience members, performing the role of slain French troops, fell down dead.

The audience applauded wildly.

 Later, carrying white buckets, The Hobbit stars collected donations in the foyer as the crowd exited the building. Like McKellen, Connolly, Freeman, Nesbitt and co were doing their bit for Christchurch.

 "It must be dreadful living in Christchurch right now," McKellen told the Dominion Post. "The Isaac Theatre Royal is one of the few iconic buildings that has survived, so it's going to make it all the more precious that the sooner it's up and running, the better for locals."

 Shooting on The Hobbit is expected to finish at the end of next month. The world premiere of the first film will take place in Wellington in November, while further premieres are set for London, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.

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