Actor Ian McKellen was hospitalized on Monday after a dramatic fall from the stage during a performance in London. The 85-year-old, renowned for his role as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” films, was performing in “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre when the incident occurred.
McKellen was portraying John Falstaff in the production, which is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Parts One and Two,” directed by Robert Icke. During a fight scene, McKellen lost his footing and fell off the stage, startling the audience. According to a BBC journalist present, McKellen cried out in pain as he fell.
A spokesperson for the play’s producers assured the public that McKellen is expected to make a “speedy and full recovery” and that he is in “good spirits.” The spokesperson, Freya Cowdry, expressed gratitude to the audience and the general public for their well wishes. She also announced that the performance scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, would be canceled to allow McKellen to rest. Those affected by the cancellation will be contacted by their point of purchase.
Audience member Paul Critchley described the incident as shocking. He noted that McKellen seemed to trip as he moved downstage, gaining momentum before falling directly in front of the audience. The theater was evacuated, and the performance was canceled as McKellen received immediate medical attention. Cowdry thanked doctors Rachel and Lee, who were in the audience, and the venue staff for their support.
McKellen’s illustrious career spans over six decades, with notable roles including Magneto in the “X-Men” films and several Shakespearean characters such as Richard II, Macbeth, and King Lear. He has won a Tony Award for “Amadeus,” several Laurence Olivier Awards, and has been nominated for two Oscars and several BAFTA awards.
The incident occurred during a scene with Toheeb Jimoh’s Prince Hal and Henry Percy, played by Samuel Edward-Cook. Audience members were visibly shocked as McKellen fell. Charlie Johnson, a journalist who attended the show, posted on social media that McKellen could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. The show was subsequently canceled, and McKellen was treated by ambulance crews.
In a statement shared on social media by the staff of British theater publication The Stage, the producers of “Player Kings” thanked the audience and the public for their well wishes. Following a scan, doctors confirmed that McKellen would make a speedy and full recovery. The production team decided to cancel the performance on Tuesday, June 18, to allow McKellen to rest. Those affected by the cancellation will be contacted by their point of purchase.
McKellen’s representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the actor is known for his resilience. In 2018, he canceled a matinee performance of “King Lear” after sustaining a leg injury while running to catch a train. Instead of performing Shakespeare, McKellen treated the London audience to a Q&A session.
The Noel Coward Theatre issued a statement confirming that McKellen suffered a fractured wrist from the fall. Performances are expected to resume on Thursday, June 19. The spokesperson for the production stated that McKellen is recovering well and looks forward to returning to the production as soon as he is ready. The theater will keep audiences updated regarding the remaining performances this week.
The full statement from the theater reads: “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, June 18, so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”
McKellen’s fall occurred during a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy. The house lights came up as McKellen cried out in pain, and staff rushed to help him. The evening’s show was canceled, and the audience was sent home.
With a career spanning more than six decades, McKellen has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, six Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe, five BAFTA Awards, five Emmys, and two Oscar nominations. A British cultural icon, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. “Player Kings” began its 12-week West End run in April.
