MOVIE NEWS – Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to hospital after falling off stage during a performance of Player Kings in London.

Sir Ian McKellen had to be taken to hospital on Monday after falling off the stage during a performance of his current play in London. The actor plays John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theater in the West End.

McKellen was in a fight scene when he fell from the front of the stage and was heard to cry out in pain.

The theatre was evacuated, and those present were informed that the evening performance would be cancelled. Writer and host Paul Nero wrote on X:

“Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage tonight at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew.”

Fans were shocked and wished McKellen the best

Another person who was present at the performance added: “Shocking to watch, it was a terrible fall. Hoping he is not badly injured, he seemed to be in great pain.” The actor was reportedly unconscious when he was helped out of the theatre.

Others who attended the show shared similar statements of disbelief on social media, while many others sent their well wishes to the actor after hearing about the accident and wished him a speedy recovery.

McKellen has been playing for Player Kings since April, which would have been a 12-week commitment. The actor’s appearance in the play caused a great response, some called the play “unmissable”, if only because of McKellen’s presence.

Sir Ian McKellen is in “good spirits” after his fall

Hours after Sir Ian McKellen was taken to hospital, his representative reported that the actor was “doing OK”. What’s On Stage then shared a statement from the Player Kings production team, who gave more details on McKellen’s current situation and how it will affect his upcoming performances. The announcement reads:

“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits. The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”

McKellen spoke last week about whether he would consider reprising his role as Gandalf in The Lord of The Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Although he made it clear that he was not in talks to reprise his role, he would definitely consider it if he were still alive, he said. His characteristic gallows humour took on a new context tonight, as McKellen’s downfall at the age of 85 could have ended much worse for the beloved star. On behalf of theGeek team, we wish him a speedy recovery!

Source: X, What’s On Stage

Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage tonight at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew. #playerkings pic.twitter.com/mLLhu83cpj

— Paul Nero (@paulnero1) June 17, 2024