Sir Ian McKellen has spoken candidly about the injuries he sustained after his shocking fall on stage during a West End production two weeks ago.
The 85-year-old X-Men alumnus, whose recovery was aided by his best friend Anthony Hopkins, took his X on Tuesday to share an update after revealing that he had pulled out of the Player Kings national tour a day earlier.
“Just two weeks after my on-stage accident, I want to assure my many fans that the injuries (to my wrist and neck) are improving,” she wrote. “My doctors have promised me a full recovery, but only if I stay off work for the next few weeks.”
Sir Ian was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on 17 June when he lost his balance in a fight scene and fell off the stage into the audience.
Following the shocking incident, he was rushed to hospital for treatment and the rest of his performances for the week were cancelled to allow him to rest.
Sir Ian McKellen has spoken candidly about the injuries he sustained after his shocking fall on stage during a West End production two weeks ago; (pictured 2022)
The 85-year-old X-Men alum, whose recovery was aided by best friend Anthony Hopkins, took to his X on Tuesday to share an update after revealing he had pulled out of the Player Kings national tour a day earlier; (pictured, June in Player Kings)
“Meanwhile, the show goes on and the Player Kings company begins its four-week tour without me,” Ian continued on X.
“Any actor will say that missing a performance is embarrassing, even when it’s not their fault. None of us want to disappoint our audiences,” he added.
Sir Ian announced last Thursday that he was receiving “physiotherapy, light exercise and plenty of essential rest at home” after three nights in hospital.
The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell from the front of the stage and was heard screaming in pain as staff rushed to help him.
In his statement last Thursday, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my on-stage fall have been fully assessed and I am now undergoing physiotherapy, light exercise and plenty of essential rest at home.
‘Meanwhile, my role in Player Kings is played by the formidable David Semark, supported by Robert Icke’s astonishing production and cast.
‘I am sure that the many messages of love and support will contribute to the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’
Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre on Saturday.
“Just two weeks after my on-stage accident, I want to assure my many supporters that the injuries (to my wrist and neck) are improving,” he wrote.
But, looking like he’s only looking up, Sir Ian couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he played around with close friend and fellow actor Anthony, who both wore matching checked jackets.
The play will then move to Bristol Hippodrome next month before plays in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
A post on the Player Kings X account last Thursday read: ‘David Semark will play the role of Sir John Falstaff in the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at London’s Noel Coward Theatre while Ian McKellen recovers from his fall on Monday 17 June.’
He added: “We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.”
Last Friday, audience member Johanna Dart described the dramatic moment Sir Ian McKellen “flew headlong” towards her as he fell off the stage, adding: “Being crushed by Gandalf the Grey, that’s something you don’t expect.”
Ms Dart, who was in the front row, said Sir Ian appeared to trip over a stage prop before falling, with his head hitting her knee “quite hard”.
The 30-year-old woman, from Leatherhead, Surrey, was later pictured sobbing in hospital, where she said she suffered soft tissue injuries following the incident.
Understudy David Semark, 52, will take his place as Falstaff, Shakespeare’s irreverent comic character. Semark said Sir Ian had called him to say he would be playing the role.
He said: “The first person who told me that was Sir Ian. We then had a discussion about the position… But I’m saving a place for Sir Ian. I walk in the shadow of greatness.”
Audience member Paul Critchley said on Monday that it was a “shock” to witness the fall.
The Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, recalled how Sir Ian appeared to stumble as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene before falling off the stage directly into the audience.
Sir Ian’s career has spanned more than six decades and has seen the actor perform in theatres across the country.
On screen, he is best known for playing Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s fantasy trilogy based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Sir Ian McKellen at the Player Kings press night launch at the Noel Coward on April 11
Audience members gather outside the Noel Coward Theatre in London after the fall
On stage he has played several Shakespearean characters, including Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus and King Lear.
His numerous acting credits have earned him numerous accolades over the years, including several Olivier Awards.
A spokesman for the Noel Coward Theatre said: ‘We are very sorry that this freak accident happened during a performance of Player Kings.
“We maintain the highest safety standards and are conducting extensive research with producers.”
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