Ian McKellen, most famous for his role as ‘Gandalf’ in Lord Of The Rings, suffered a fall while performing at the Noel Coward Theatre, Located in London’s West End.
Ian was portraying John Falstaff during a battle scene with the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy for Player Kings, a new Shakespeare stage adaptation of Henry IV.
Suddenly, the 85-year-old actor lost his footing and fell from the stage. At first, the audience thought it was part of the act, but it wasn’t until McKellen cried out for help that the whole theatre was evacuated while staff helped the actor.
Following the accident, an actor’s spokesperson said he is ·in good spirits” as he waits for a speedy and full recovery.
Here’s the full statement, in which in addition to addressing the fall, the audience is also remunerated due to the cancelation of the performance:
“The performance on Wednesday 19 June will be cancelled following Ian McKellen’s fall during the performance of Player Kings on Monday (17 June). Bookers for the affected performance will be contacted by their point of purchase directly.
We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Noel Coward Theatre on Thursday 19 June. We are delighted that Ian is recovering well and look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready. We will keep audiences updated regarding remaining performances this week.”
“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.”
“The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest,” the statement continues. “Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.”
“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.
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Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”
McKellen is recovering in a hospital in Paddington where he is being treated for a fractured wrist and other small injuries.
We wish him a warm, speedy and easy-going recovery.
