Lord of The Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen had a terrible fall from the stage during his play Player Kings on Monday, June 17. McKellen is currently starring as the rotund John Falstaff in Player Kings, a production of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, parts one and two.
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An audience member from that day appeared on Good Morning Britain with Susanna Reid and described the horrific fall. Charlie Johnson said that during a fight scene McKellen ‘took his step too far’ as he landed ‘head first into the audience,’ reports Mirror.
He screamed ‘help me’ within seconds of the fall as the audience was evacuated from the theatre. He said:
Within seconds, a blood-curling stream arose from the actor and he was clearly in a lot of pain and screaming 'help me'
Susanna was amazed to know that the actor was still doing fight scenes at the age of 85 and said:
We wish him the very best and he recovers from the accident. I think it's amazing he's still doing fight scenes on stage at 85. We wish him all the very best.
Sir Ian McKellen’s fall from stage during Player Kings: Health update
The X-Men star might have taken a tumble but he’s not staying down for long. According to his recent health update, the actor can expect a quick recovery from his fall. He took to X and explained what went on after he was taken to the hospital.
McKellen thanked everyone for their kind messages and support. He wrote:
I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service.
He shared that NHS doctors treated him well and he’s ‘hugely indebted’ to them. McKellen added:
To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.
Sir Ian McKellen’s play cancelled after his terrible fall
As a result of his fall, Tuesday’s show of Player Kings had been cancelled so he could get some rest, reports The Express. The schedule of the play is planned until Saturday after which it will go on tour to Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle. A spokesperson for the theatre confirmed that McKellen is in ‘good spirits’ and is expected to appear in Wednesday’s matinee performance of the production.
The spokesperson of the theatre said in a statement:
The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.
According to Player Kings The Play website, the show was scheduled at the Noel Coward Theatre in London from April 1 to June 22.
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Sources Used
Mirror: Sir Ian McKellen show axed after actor left 'screaming in pain' in front of horrified audience
The Express: Sir Ian McKellen issues diagnosis update as he breaks silence after horror stage fall
