During a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London, actor Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to hospital after falling off stage. The 85-year-old was part of a fight scene when he lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage. It is unknown if he has suffered any injuries from the fall. The audience was evacuated from the theatre and informed that the evening show had been canceled.
Sir Ian is currently starring in a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, and it started its twelve-week West End run in April. The actor plays John Falstaff in the production and was circling a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell. As the house lights came up, Sir Ian cried out, and staff rushed to his aid.
One member of the audience, Sandro Trapani, told the BBC that the incident was “very shocking” and that he hopes Sir Ian will be alright. Sir Ian’s previous Shakespeare credits include various notable roles such as Richard II, Coriolanus, King Lear, and Macbeth. He is also set to star as Hamlet in a new film adaptation directed by Sean Mathias.
Sir Ian’s on-screen credits include Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Magneto in the X-Men movies, as well as roles in Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code, and Mr. Holmes. The actor also appeared in 10 episodes of the ITV soap Coronation Street as the scheming romance author Mel Hutchwright.
This is not the first time Sir Ian has suffered an injury during a performance, as five years ago, he had to cancel a King Lear showing at London’s Duke of York theatre after he sustained a leg injury while running to catch a train. However, he made sure the audience was entertained by sitting on stage and answering questions. Further details about Sir Ian’s condition are yet to be announced
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