With more than 220 film titles under his belt, including such mega blockbusters as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, Lee has played some iconic greats, including Dracula, Muhammed Ali Jinnah, (the founder of Pakistan) and Bond's arch nemesis Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun (Lee is actually Ian Fleming's cousin).

He has also worked with directorial greats such as Tim Burton, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, and has fought with the likes of Errol Flynn and the diminutive Yoda.

He's an actor, a singer, a CBE and a phenomenal orator who has his finger on the pulse when it comes to world issues.

He is constantly looking for new challenges and enjoys working with artists who push the boundaries of their art form.

At 6ft 5in, Lee is an imposing figure and his voice has a depth that only great actors can boast.

When Lee speaks, people listen. So it seems only fitting that he has lent his voice to a group of Irish dancers who are currently pushing the boundaries of their own genre, in the critically acclaimed Magic of the Dance.

As the dancers prepare for their 10th anniversary World Tour, which kicks off in the UK this summer, we sit down with the legend that is Christopher Lee and chat all things Irish.

How did you come to narrate an Irish Dance show?

"I was invited by the producer Jaka Bizilj to attend a wonderful event during the Berlin Film Festival called Cinema for Peace, where I lit the peace torch and sang with a hundred-strong chorus. Quite an experience. We started to work on a few projects together and then I recorded the narration for Magic of the Dance in one arduous session in a studio."

You speak seven languages and recorded the show in more than one language I believe.
"Yes, in German, French, Spanish and, of course, English. I used to speak a lot more languages but, of course, without practice, it becomes very hard. I have filmed in German, Italian and Spanish. It was quite a challenge to convey the beautiful poetry in the show in several languages, but that was the reason why I did it. I do love a challenge."

Do you love a challenge enough to start Irish dancing?

"Oh no, I think I'll leave that up to the professionals. Since my sword-fight with Yoda in Star Wars I have to be very careful with quick movements and I very much doubt that I would be a good dancer... but I have narrated the show live on several occasions and I have always been amazed at the skill and precision of the dancers. It takes an extraordinary amount of focus and training to become that accomplished. No, not dancing for me, but I do sing."

Have you ever wanted to tour as a singer or a dancer?

I wanted to be an opera singer originally, and not many know this but my ancestors opened the first opera-touring-company in Australia. Once upon a time I would have said yes to the chance of touring, but not any more. It would be wonderful to travel up and down the country visiting all the places during the summer, but it is definitely a younger man's game. The stamina these dancers have is incredible, not only to dance eight shows a week but eight shows a week for 15 weeks!"

Have you always been a dance fan?

"I do love the ballet and frequently visit Covent Garden (Opera House) and I was aware of Irish dancing back in the mid nineties when it all took off, but I was simply mesmerised when I saw it first hand with Magic of the Dance. Not only do the dancers have to keep in time with each other, but to carry the story, battle with the special effects and the props, as well as each other, there are no blue screens or CGI in live theatre! Simply remarkable."

Do you find it more of a challenge working with a blue screen?

"It was to begin with but with the right director, like the wonderful George Lucas or Tim Burton or Peter Jackson, it can be an enjoyable challenge. Of course, without CGI, many of these films would not be made. After reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I was very keen to see it made into film but it took the technology to evolve over time to actually be able to realise Tolkien's true vision and scale. It simply could not be made 50 years ago. Of course, in theatre, the audience are invited by the actors and set designers to use their imaginations to conjure up grand scenes of scale, which is truly magical, but in film, people want realism."

You have been in the business now for more than 60 years. What has been the greatest achievement in your career?
"I think, still working at 86! I have been very fortunate. Two films in particular stick in my mind, Wicker Man and Jinnah, both very challenging roles but also rewarding when you get it right. A piece of work has to be challenging, for whatever reason. Even narrating for instance, you have to convey passion, depth and gravitas without people seeing your face, that for me was the exciting part of working with Magic of the Dance. That and the beautiful dancing."

Will you see the show along the UK leg of the tour?

"I certainly hope so, I have seen it twice when I narrated live, but, of course, you miss so many parts because one can't be seen craning his neck to catch the action. No, I should hope to get an opportunity to sit in the stalls and enjoy the thrill of live entertainment, and indeed dancing, at its very best"

Christopher Lee lends his voice to Magic of the Dance, at Worthing's Pavilion Theatre from August 11 to 16, at 7.45pm and with 2.30pm matinées on the Wednesday and Saturday. Call 01903 206206 for tickets or click here

For a trailer of the show, click here

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to leisure.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk