Sir Ian McKellen Rushed to Hospital After Stage Fall
Renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen was hospitalized following an incident at a prominent London theater.
During a scene in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre, the 85-year-old star of The Lord Of The Rings stumbled and fell while engaged in a fight sequence, according to a witness who spoke to Sky News.
Sir Ian, portraying John Falstaff, let out a cry of pain as theater staff quickly came to his aid when the house lights came on.
The incident occurred as he was participating in a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy at the moment of his fall.
The extent of his injuries remains uncertain.
An audience member expressed shock and concern for Sir Ian’s well-being, mentioning the apparent severity of the fall from an elevated position.
Detailing the incident, the witness remarked, “I was at the rear of the theater in the seating area. As part of a fight scene, Sir Ian descended a step on stage, stumbled, and fell into the audience, still wearing his microphone. He called out for assistance as stage crew members appeared and eventually guided everyone out while preparing to transport him on a stretcher.”
The audience was evacuated, and the show was canceled for the night, with attendees informed that they would receive refunds and that medical help was en route for Sir Ian.
Noel Coward Theatre Confirms Sir Ian’s Recovery
Guests were briefed that the remainder of the show had been called off following the evacuation.
In a subsequent update before midnight, the theater conveyed that Sir Ian was anticipated to fully recuperate.
They revealed, “After a thorough examination, the remarkable NHS medical team has assured us of his prompt and complete recovery, and Sir Ian is maintaining high spirits.”
“To allow Ian to recuperate, the decision has been made to cancel the performance scheduled for Tuesday, 18 June. Affected patrons will be contacted by their point of sale promptly tomorrow.”
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Background on Player Kings Show
Player Kings is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, comprising of parts one and two.
The production is set to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July, with future performances planned in Birmingham, Norwich, and Newcastle.