Sir Ian McKellen put on a brave face as he turned up to surprise the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle on Saturday after being forced to pull out of the show.
The 85-year-old actor was playing John Falstaff in the production at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his balance during a fight scene and fell off the stage into the audience.
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and suffered wrist and neck injuries, meaning he was unable to complete the run of shows.
Six weeks after the horrific fall, the acting legend was still recovering from his injuries when he arrived at the Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist brace.
The actor took to Instagram earlier in the day to announce he would be part of the audience for the play in Newcastle.
Sir Ian McKellen put on a brave face as he turned up to support the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle on Saturday after he was forced to pull out of the show.
Six weeks after the horrific fall, the acting legend was still recovering from his injuries when he arrived at the Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist support.
The 85-year-old actor was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his balance.
“On the day of Player Kings’ 101st and final performance – without me – I celebrated by trimming Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months,” he wrote.
Sharing a professional photo with his newly cut hair, Sir Ian wrote: ‘On the day of Player Kings’ 101st and final performance, without me, I celebrated by cutting Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months.
‘I’ll be in the audience at the matinee in Newcastle.’
Supply 91 hair salon also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the photoshoot with Sir Ian showing off his shorter hairstyle.
Fans took to the comments to wish Ian a speedy recovery.
They wrote: “What a joy to have seen you like this! A wonderful experience. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Xx.”
“Your performance was amazing! I’m so glad I got to see you and meet you. I bet taking Falstaff’s hair off is a relief.”
“I wish I had seen you in Birmingham” and “Congratulations on a wonderful race! I’m sorry you couldn’t finish it, but keep recovering! We need you for as long as we can get it.”
Despite his injuries, Sir Ian seemed in good spirits.
The actor showed off his style with a navy hat, a long black coat, sunglasses and a printed scarf.
Despite having to pull out, Sir Ian was determined to show his support for the production.
Sir Ian surprised actors and theatre workers after travelling from London.
Sir Ian was clean-shaven and had cut his hair short after growing it out for the role.
Despite his injuries, Sir Ian seemed in good spirits.
The actor showed off his style with a navy hat, a long black coat, sunglasses and a printed scarf.
Sir Ian had his hair cut at Supply 91 salon in London and posed for a photo. He is still wearing a wrist brace as he continues his recovery.
‘I’ll be in the audience at the matinee in Newcastle.’
Supply 91 hair salon also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the photoshoot with Sir Ian showing off his shorter hairstyle.
Fans took to the comments to wish Ian a speedy recovery.
They wrote: “What a joy to have seen you like this! A wonderful experience. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Xx.”
“Your performance was amazing! I’m so glad I got to see you and meet you. I bet taking Falstaff’s hair off is a relief.”
“I wish I had seen you in Birmingham” and “Congratulations on a wonderful race! I’m sorry you couldn’t finish it, but keep recovering! We need you for as long as we can get it.”
Earlier this month, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
“Just two weeks after my on-stage accident, I want to assure all my friends 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.”
“Meanwhile, the show goes on and the Player Kings company begins its four-week tour without me,” Ian continued on X.
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and suffered wrist and neck injuries, which meant he was no longer able to complete the run of shows (pictured earlier this month)
Fans took to the comments section to wish Ian a speedy recovery. They wrote: “So happy to have seen you like this! A wonderful experience. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Xx.”
Last week, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
“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 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, 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, has ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre.
The play transferred to the Bristol Hippodrome before plays in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
