Ian McKellen expected to make full recovery after 'Player Kings' fall onstage

Ian McKellen expected to make full recovery after 'Player Kings' fall onstage

The actor is "in good spirits" after falling on stage Monday night.

ByAngeline Jane Bernabe

June 17, 2024, 7:34 PM

Actor Ian McKellen is on the mend after a fall he had while during a performance of "Player Kings" in London's West End on Monday night.

Following the fall, the actor is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement by Noël Coward Theatre.

Sir Ian McKellen speaks during "The Delaunay Presents An Evening With" in collaboration with Denville Hall, the residential home for all members of the theatrical profession in London, April 21, 2024.Dave Benett/Getty Images

"Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian's fall during this evening's performance of Player Kings," the statement began. "Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits."

"Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support," the statement continued.

McKellen stars in the production as Sir John Falstaff alongside actors Toheeb Jimoh, Richard Coule, Raphael Akuwudike, Sara Beharrell and more.

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The play is an adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play, "Henry IV," parts one and two, and is adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke.

Toheeb Jimoh, Sir Ian McKellen and Richard Coyle attend the press night after party for "Player Kings" at St Martins Lane Hotel in London, April 11, 2024.Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images

"Although I've always found Falstaff a difficult character to relate to, sometimes funny, but sometimes looking like a Toby jug rather than a real person, he's appalling," McKellen said about playing Falstaff in an interview with The Times last week. "He's a liar and a coward and a cheat."

This week marked the production's final week at the Noël Coward Theatre before it embarked on tour.

Sir Ian McKellen bows at the curtain call during the press night performance of "Player Kings" at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, April 11, 2024.Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images

In the statement, the theater announced that it had decided to cancel the Tuesday, June 18 performance of the play "so Ian can rest."

"Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow," the statement added.

McKellen is also known for his role as Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" franchise, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and more.