Sir Ian McKellen, a renowned British actor, suffered a fall from the stage on Monday during a performance of the play “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre in London. The 85-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in the X-Men and Lord of the Rings franchises, was taken to the hospital for treatment and the remaining performances of the evening were canceled to allow him to rest.
According to a statement from the theatre, McKellen was in a scene involving a fight when he lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage. The actor was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help him. After the accident, audience members were informed that the remainder of the evening’s performance was canceled, and they were evacuated from the premises.
McKellen’s understudy, David Semark, will take over the role of Sir John Falstaff for the remaining three performances of the play in London. Semark, a trained actor from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), has experience in TV shows such as EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK, and The Bill.
In a statement on social media, McKellen expressed his gratitude to everyone who sent him messages of support. “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” he wrote. “Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists, and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy, and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
Sir Ian McKellen (Via Sir Ian McKellen/Twitter)
The National Health Service (NHS) played a crucial role in McKellen’s recovery, with the actor praising their expertise and care. A spokesperson for the theatre also thanked the audience and the general public for their well wishes and thanked doctors Rachel and Lee who were in the audience and venue staff for their support.
McKellen’s fall has been met with shock and concern from fans and the theatre community. Audience member Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Norfolk, described the incident as “shock” and praised the swift response of the stage management and front-of-house team in dealing with the situation.
The production of “Player Kings,” an adaptation of Henry IV, parts one and two, is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July. McKellen’s career has spanned over six decades, with a wide range of acting credits on stage and screen. He has won numerous accolades, including several Olivier Awards, for his performances as Shakespearean characters such as Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus, and King Lear.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Despite the setback, McKellen is expected to make a full recovery and is looking forward to returning to work.
