Entertainment
Star Trek legend George Takei makes West End debut aged 85 -Lucy Norris-Entertainment – Metro
George is proving it’s never too late!
George Takei stars in his biographical musical theatre show about his wartime experiences (Picture: Getty Images)
George Takei – best known for his stint in Star Trek – is set to step foot onto the West End’s stage for the first time, aged 85.
The legendary actor will star in George Takei’s Allegiance which is a musical story that was inspired by his own World War II experience in a U.S. concentration camp.
At barely five years old after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, George – who was born in Californian – and his family were imprisoned in an American internment camp with 120,000 other Japanese Americans.
George returned to Los Angeles after the end of the war and penned the biographical musical theatre show that looks back on the actor’s personal piece of history.
The theatre made its world premiere in San Diego in 2012 and enjoyed a year-long run on Broadway from 2015 until 2016.
During his Broadway debut, the celebrated actor starred alongside Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga and Telly Leung – who played a Dalton Academy Warblers ensemble member in Fox’s Glee.
The famous actor is taking his show to the West End (Picture: PA)
George’s musical focuses on his childhood wartime past (Picture: PA)
Transporting the show across the water, George will entertain crowds in a brand new production that has been conceived for the intimate Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Taking on the role of Hikaru Sulu – helmsman of the fictional starship USS Enterprise in the television series and fan-favourite films Star Trek – the actor revealed his exciting news on Twitter.
George is best known for his time on Star Trek (Picture: Getty Images)
The production was once shown on Broadway before coming to London (Picture: PA)
He typed: ‘I am 85 years old. And I will be making my London stage debut in my legacy project, Allegiance, in January. Life really is amazing. For my UK fans: Come see me [sic].’
The Moana voice actor previously admitted his worries over growing older and what that would mean for his career.
George posted on social media: ‘When I turned 70, I thought, well that’s it. I’ve had a great career, but it’s winding down.
‘Boy was I wrong. I found social media, and then a second wind at my sails in my 70s! I made my Broadway debut at 78, and I’ll make my London debut at 85.
‘Life is wonderful and magical. [sic]’
George Takei’s Allegiance will run in London from January 7 to April 8.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : George Takei brands William Shatner an ‘unfit guinea pig’ as he reignites feud after space flight
Follow Metro on Snapchat
You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.
Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.
And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.
Entertainment – MetroRead More
