Ian McKellen was reportedly hospitalized after falling off a stage during a June 17 performance. The actor later said in a statement that he needed more recovery time and has withdrawn from the U.K. tour of Player Kings.
Say it ain’t so!
June 17, 2024: Ian McKellen has been hospitalized after falling off the stage during a performance of Player Kings on the West End in London. BBC News shared that he was in a fight scene with two other actors when he reportedly fell off the front of the stage and cried for help as the house lights came on. The theater was evacuated, and the next show was canceled. Per McKellen’s team, Noël Coward Theatre released a statement reassuring that following a scan from the NHS team, he will “make a speedy and full recovery” and that McKellen is in “good spirits.” They also confirmed that Tuesday’s show has been canceled “so Ian can rest.” They also thank two doctors in the audience by their first names, Rachel and Lee, for their assistance during the fall. McKellen plays Sir John Falstaff in the adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, with performances continuing until the end of the month.
Addressing the ‘accident’
June 18, 2024: Ian McKellen has provided an update on his condition. “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” he said in a statement issued by his publicist. “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.”
More recovery time needed
July 1, 2024: McKellen announced that he will withdraw from future performances of Player Kings to “protect his full recovery.” The rest of the show’s run will be continued with understudy Devid Semark playing McKellan’s role of Falstaff from July 3-27. Below is his full statement.
