Ian McKellen, renowned for his illustrious career in theater and film, suffered a fall during a performance of “Player Kings” at a West End theater in London. The incident occurred during a battle scene, initially mistaken by the audience as part of the play.
Aleks Phillips, a BBC journalist present, described how McKellen’s cry for help prompted immediate assistance from theater staff. The performance was canceled following the accident, and subsequent shows, including Tuesday nights, were also called off.
McKellen, aged 85 and acclaimed for his roles in Shakespearean productions, including recent portrayals of King Lear and an elderly Hamlet, was starring as John Falstaff in the adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” plays. Despite the fall, producers assured the public that McKellen was expected to recover swiftly.
Doctors from Britain’s National Health Service conducted scans and affirmed McKellen’s prognosis for a complete and rapid recovery, much to the relief of the theater community and his fans worldwide.
In a statement released by his publicist, McKellen expressed gratitude to the NHS professionals who attended to him, emphasizing their pivotal role in his care. He conveyed optimism about returning to work soon, underscoring his eagerness to resume his role in “Player Kings.”
The play, directed by Robert Icke, was in its final week at the Noël Coward Theater, with McKellen scheduled to return to the stage for a matinee performance the day after the incident.
McKellen’s career spans decades, highlighted not only by his stage performances but also by iconic roles such as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies, as well as Magneto in the “X-Men” series.
His versatility and dedication to both classic theater and blockbuster cinema have earned him accolades, including the Tony, Golden Globe, and Olivier Awards. Despite the setback, McKellen’s resilience and commitment to his craft remain undiminished as he looks forward to completing the run of “Player Kings” at the Noël Coward Theater.
