Sir Ian McKellen, 85, gives devastating update after falling from stage
Sir Ian McKellen has pulled out of his theatre shows (Picture: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Sir Ian McKellen has said it is with ‘the greatest reluctance’ he is taking medical advice to ‘protect [his] recovery’ and withdraw from the national tour of Player Kings, following his fall from a West End stage.
The acting legend, 85, went flying from the West End stage on June 18 during a fight scene.
He landed on an audience member who also required medical attention.
Sir Ian was taken to hospital for treatment and was later able to return for the rest of the run.
In a new statement, Sir Ian McKellen shared a devastating update: ‘Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day.
‘It’s with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime.
The acting legend, 85, fell off stage and landed on an audience member last month (Picture: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatre-goers in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
‘But I can assure them that, with David Semark now playing Falstaff, Robert Icke’s production and his acting company remain as dazzling as ever. Go see for yourself!’
A statement from the production added: ‘Following Ian McKellen’s injury during the West End run of Player Kings, his doctors’ advice is to take time off from work in order to fully recover.
‘As such, he will not be returning to play Sir John Falstaff in the national tour of Players Kings (July 3-27, 2024).
‘Ian continues to recuperate very well, but he needs the time to rest and ensure a complete recovery. We continue to send him our best wishes.
For the final West End performances, the role of Falstaff will now be performed by David Semark (Picture: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘As it was for the final West End performances, the role of Falstaff will now be performed by David Semark, Ian’s brilliant understudy, for all tour dates of Player Kings.’
Previously, Sir Ian assured concerned fans that he was recovering well.
The Hobbit star told Metro.co.uk: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.’
He thanked everyone for their ‘many messages of love and support’ for aiding his ‘speedy’ healing process.
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