Sir Ian McKellen pulls out of play after fall from stage

Sir Ian McKellen said he had made the decision 'with the greatest reluctance' - Manuel Harlan

Sir Ian McKellen has said he is withdrawing from the national tour of Player Kings with “the greatest reluctance” following his fall from a West End stage.

The screen and stage actor, 85, was performing at the Noel Coward Theatre last month when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage.

After the accident, he was taken to hospital to receive treatment and two shows were cancelled to allow him to rest, before his understudy stepped in to finish the rest of the London run.

It has now been confirmed that David Semark will continue in Sir Ian’s role of Sir John Falstaff for the national tour, which begins on Wednesday.

‘With the greatest reluctance’

In a statement, Sir Ian said: “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.

“I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatregoers 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 and see for yourself!”

A statement from the production said: “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.”

The production of parts one and two of Henry IV is due to move to Bristol Hippodrome on Wednesday.

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