A spokesperson for the theatre has confirmed that after a fall from the stage during a West End show, actor Ian McKellen is “in high spirits” and foreseen to “recover fully and quickly”. McKellen, known for his role in The Lord Of The Rings and aged 85, was portraying John Falstaff in a display of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre when he stumbled and fell during a fight scene in Monday’s evening performance.
In a statement to the PA news agency, an official of the London theatre thanked the audience and the public for their kind messages following McKellen’s fall during the evening’s Player Kings performance. According to a scan, the excellent NHS team assured that McKellen’s recovery would be swift and complete, and it was noted that the actor is in good spirits.
It has been decided to cancel the Tuesday, June 18th performance of the play, allowing McKellen time to recuperate. Those affected by the cancellation will be notified by their ticket provider as soon as feasible. The theatre’s official statement also expressed gratitude for doctors Rachel and Lee who were present in the audience, and the venue’s staff who provided support.
McKellen is predicted to return in Wednesday’s matinee performance. The accident resulted in the rest of the performance being halted on the evening of the mishap, and the audience was evacuated from the theatre premises.
A BBC reporter present at the play stated, that the fall happened during a scene involving Prince of Wales and Henry Percy, causing McKellen to yell out in pain as the crew scrambled to assist. Paul Critchley, an audience member, expressed his shock to PA at witnessing the incident. He elaborated that McKellen appeared to stumble while moving forward on the stage to be more involved in the scene, leading to the fall.
Upon his fall, the house lights were promptly switched on and the situation was handled by the stage management and front-of-house team. For the privacy of the actor, the audience was swiftly evacuated so that McKellen could receive medical treatment.
According to the theatre authorities, a sudden announcement revealed the cancellation of the play as Sir Ian was taken ill and an ambulance was subsequently summoned. Witnesses were quite rattled observing his unexpected collapse and they now hope he recuperates swiftly. Wishes are also extended to his contemporaries, backstage personnel and the team at the Noel Coward Theatre. The London Ambulance Service chose not to give any statement. There is an ongoing discussion about whether or not ageism is the final prominent hurdle in the arts industry with Ian McKellen’s portrayal of Hamlet as an example.
The play “Player Kings”, an adaptation and direction by Robert Icke of Henry IV, parts one and two, is future-scheduled to be performed at the Bristol Hippodrome in July, with showings also intended for Birmingham, Norwich, and Newcastle. Sir Ian McKellen’s professional journey is legendary, stretching over an impressive six decades, during which he has showcased his refined talent in numerous theatres nationwide. For his work in film, he is notably recognised for his roles as Magneto in the X-Men cinematic universe and Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s fantasy trilogy, a rendition of JRR Tolkien’s literature.
Regarding his stage presence, he has made memorable portrayals of a number of Shakespearean personalities including Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus, and King Lear. Sir Ian’s impressive body of work has earned him several honours over the years, inclusive of multiple Olivier Awards. Credit – PA Wire.