Blue plaque for the Rose Theatre

In front of a large crowd of supporters, Sir Ian McKellen unveiled a Southwark Council blue plaque at the historic Rose Theatre.

Speaking at the event he said: "My heart still beats faster when I remember getting the phone call to say they'd found the remains of the Rose theatre.

"It's with enormous enthusiasm that I support the people of Southwark's desire that strangers visiting the borough can come and appreciate this precious jewel."

The Rose, which was one of the first purpose-built theatres in London, is considered by many to be a shrine to Shakespeare. It received almost a thousand votes from Londoners and beyond to win the coveted award in Southwark Council's 2005 plaque scheme.

Cllr Nick Stanton, Leader of Southwark Council, said: "We're very pleased to recognise the Rose Theatre with a plaque. The ongoing significance of this theatre is clear from the overwhelming number of votes it received during the campaign.

"Southwark is lucky to have such a key historic site within its boundaries."