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Theatregoers are paying pop star prices of more than US$1000 ($1290) a ticket for a chance to see Ian McKellen on stage in Los Angeles.
The esteemed British actor is set to play Shakespeare's King Lear in six performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company at UCLA, starting on Friday.
The entire run of the play was sold out in July on the day it went on sale, with a top price of US$90. Single orchestra seats are listing at US$936 to US$1706 on online ticket marketplace Stubhub. Bids for a ticket on eBay have topped US$800.
Stubhub spokesman Sean Pate says the highest price actually paid for a pair has been US$2106.
McKellen downplayed his own role in sending the Shakespeare ticket prices skyward.
"I don't take it personally. I mean, it is the Royal Shakespeare Company doing King Lear, directed by Trevor Nunn," McKellen said. "If we weren't selling out, there would be something wrong."
