Sir Ian McKellen is in good spirits
after taking a tumble off the stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. The 85-year-old actor cried out in pain and called for help, leading a staff member to rush to his aid.
McKellen, who plays John Falstaff, lost his footing while executing a fight scene. He was subsequently taken to the hospital, causing the cancellation of the play. However, a theatre spokesperson assured fans that McKellen had undergone a scan and that medics confirmed he would make a speedy and full recovery
.
Ian is in good spirits,
the spokesperson reiterated, adding that he is expected to return for the Wednesday matinee performance.
Falstaff’s Critical Role in Player Kings
Player Kings, a production based on Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts One and Two, sees McKellen in the prominent role of Falstaff. The modern dress production features a magnificent brick-backed set. Having started its 12-week run in April, it has already gathered significant attention.
An audience member who witnessed the incident described the event: It happened so quickly; at first it looked like part of the performance.
However, when McKellen cried out, it became evident that it was not scripted. Staff quickly brought up the house lights and evacuated the theatre. The rest of the performance was cancelled so that Ian can rest,
according to the spokesperson.
A Shocking Incident
The spokesperson extended gratitude to two doctors named Rachel and Lee, who were present in the audience, as well as to the venue’s staff for their support during the incident. Paul Critchley from Downham Market in Norfolk commented on the shocking sight of Sir Ian falling directly in front of the audience.
A Storied Career
Ian McKellen’s impressive repertoire includes noteworthy roles such as Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear, Macbeth, and now Falstaff. On screen, he’s renowned for portraying Gandalf in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and Magneto in the X-Men movies. Other memorable roles include performances in Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code, Mr Holmes, and as Mel Hutchwright in ITV’s Coronation Street.
This isn’t Sir Ian’s first brush with on-stage misfortune. Five years ago, he had to cancel a King Lear showing at London’s Duke of York Theatre after injuring his leg while running for a train. Ever dedicated to his craft and fans, he turned the mishap into an engaging Q&A session with the audience.
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