Sir Ian McKellen was hospitalized after an unfortunate incident during a performance of “Player Kings” at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End. The 85-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men” series, lost his footing during a battle scene and fell off the stage.
The audience was promptly evacuated, and the evening show was canceled. A representative from the theater assured the public that McKellen is expected to make a full recovery and is currently in good spirits. “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 read. “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 decided to cancel the performance scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, to allow McKellen to rest. Those affected by the cancellation will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible. The theater also expressed gratitude to doctors Rachel and Lee, who were in the audience and provided immediate assistance, as well as to all the venue staff for their support.
McKellen, who plays John Falstaff in “Player Kings,” was in the midst of a fight scene when he fell. The BBC reported that as the house lights came up, the actor cried out, and staff rushed to help. An audience member described the incident as “very shocking,” noting that McKellen was conscious and asking for assistance.
Charlie Johnson, a journalist based in London who attended the show, posted on X, “Just witnessed Ian McKellen severely injure himself after falling off stage at Noel Coward Theatre. Sir Ian could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. Show canceled as he is treated by ambulance crews. Wish him all the best.”
McKellen is a seasoned Shakespearean actor with a repertoire that includes roles such as Macbeth, King Lear, Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, and Richard III. He also played Hamlet in a recent film adaptation directed by Sean Mathias. His portrayal of Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and Magneto in the “X-Men” movies has cemented his status as a beloved figure in both theater and film.
This is not the first time McKellen has faced an on-stage injury. In 2018, he canceled a matinee performance of “King Lear” after sustaining a leg injury while running to catch a train. Instead of performing, he engaged the audience in a Q&A session.
According to a spokesperson for the production, McKellen is expected to be back on stage soon. “Ian is in good spirits after doctors confirmed that he will fully recover from the fall,” the spokesperson said. Tuesday’s performance was canceled, but McKellen is expected to return to the stage on Wednesday.
Paul Critchley, an audience member, told the PA news agency that McKellen seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene. “He picked up momentum as he moved downstage, which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience,” Critchley said. Staff and two doctors in the audience immediately assisted the actor, and the theater was evacuated.
McKellen has won numerous awards throughout his illustrious career, including a Tony Award for “Amadeus,” several Olivier Awards, and nominations for two Academy Awards, five Emmys, and several BAFTA awards.
Producers of “Player Kings” have decided to cancel the performance on Tuesday to allow McKellen to rest. The play, a three-hour-plus adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” and “Part II,” began its 12-week run in April 2024. The production is expected to continue until Saturday in the West End before going on tour throughout the United Kingdom until the end of July.
This incident marks McKellen’s sixth stage role since theaters reopened following the COVID-19 shutdown. In a recent interview, McKellen mentioned that he views each role as potentially his last, given his age. “If you want to know that you are mortal, you just have to look at your address book,” he said. “So if Falstaff is my last job, I’d better get it right, hadn’t I?”
