Ian McKellen won’t return to play after recent fall
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(Credit: Alamy)
Ian McKellen has confirmed that he won’t be returning to play in the remaining performances of Player Kings. Following a recent accident that saw him fall from the stage during a show, the actor has decided to opt out of the remaining scheduled run of shows.
The veteran actor known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in Lord Of The Rings has been performing at the Noël Coward Theatre on June 17th. During a battle scene in a recent show, he fell from the stage and sustained multiple injuries, including a broken wrist. The actor reportedly cried out for help once he fell as staff and audience members rushed over to offer assistance.
A barrage of best wishes was sent to the actor following the fall, and the theatre congratulated everyone on their consideration. “Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during the evening’s performance of Player Kings,” they wrote, “Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.”
Despite those good spirits, it appears the actor will not be able to return to the stage anytime soon. People were hopeful McKellen would be able to perform in Bristol on July 3rd and in some other subsequent national performances; however, in a statement yesterday, the actor revealed it wouldn’t be possible.
In a post shared by Player Kings, Ian wrote, “Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day. It’s with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime.”
He continued, “I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatregoers in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle. But I can assure them that, with David Semark now playing Falstaff, Robert Icke’s production and his acting company remain as dazzling as ever. Go see for yourself.”
The production team also expressed their disappointment that McKellen could not continue in the play, “His doctors’ advice is to take time off from work in order to fully recover. As such, he will not be returning to play Sir John Falstaff in the national tour of Player Kings.”
Given the great deal of anticipation over McKellen finally portraying Falstaff, fans are sad they won’t be able to see him play the character; however, the play will continue to run, and showings are still available.
