Acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen, 85, was taken to hospital after a dramatic fall off the stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. The incident occurred during a fight scene, causing concern among audience members. Sir Ian’s condition remains unclear, and the extent of any injuries is not yet known.
The performance, part of a 12-week West End run of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, had to be abruptly halted. Audience members were evacuated and informed that the evening show was cancelled. Sir Ian, who stars as John Falstaff, was in the midst of a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage.
As the lights came up, the veteran actor called out for help, and theatre staff promptly rushed to assist him. Witnesses described the incident as “very shocking,” with one attendee, Sandro Trapani, stating, “I really hope that he is going to be alright. He was conscious and asking for assistance.”
Sir Ian McKellen, known for his iconic roles in Shakespearean plays and blockbuster movies such as The Lord of the Rings and X-Men, was previously forced to cancel a King Lear showing due to a leg injury. Fans and fellow actors alike are wishing him a swift recovery.
