Sir Ian McKellen withdraws from Player Kings tour on medical advice after fall from stage
![Sir Ian McKellen withdraws from Player Kings tour on medical advice after fall from stage](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/06/19/08/newFile-1.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Sir Ian McKellen attends the “Bent” 25th anniversary screening and Q&A at the BFI Southbank on 27 September, 2022 in London, England. (Getty Images)
Sir Ian McKellen has withdrawn completely from his role in London’s Player Kings after suffering a dramatic fall mid-performance that brought the play to a halt.
The veteran actor, 85, will miss the remainder of the play’s run and be replaced by understudy David Semark in the role of John Falstaff.
Player Kings is set to appear at the Bristol Hippodrome on 3 to 6 July, Birmingham Alexandra on 10 to 13 July, Norwich Theatre Royal from th 17 to 20 July and Newcastle Theatre Royal from 24 to 27 July.
The actor was hospitalised for three nights after the fall and apologised to fans for the decision he made with “the greatest reluctance” to aid his recovery.
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