The actor Ian McKellen is in the process of recovery after a fall during a performance of the play Player Kings in London, according to the producers of the play.
The producers of Player Kingsan adaptation of Henry IV of Shakespeare by Robert Icke, thanked the public for their well wishes following the incident that occurred on Monday night.
“Following a scan, we have been assured by the brilliant team at the NHS that he will make a quick and full recovery and that Ian is in good spirits,” the statement said. “The production decided to cancel the presentation on Tuesday, June 18 so that Ian can rest.”
Details of the incident and public reaction
McKellen, 85, was in the middle of a fight scene when he apparently lost his balance and fell off the stage.
He screamed for help, and a staff member quickly came to his assistance. He was taken to hospital, where a scan was performed which confirmed that he will make a quick recovery.
The production also thanked two doctors in the audience, Rachel and Lee, for their immediate support.
“Ian is in good spirits,” a theater spokesperson reported, according to BBC. McKellen is expected to return to the stage Wednesday for a matinee performance of the play.
An illustrious career in theater and film
McKellen, known for his roles as Gandalf in the trilogies The Lord of the rings and The Hobbitas well as magnet in the movies X Menhas an extensive career in Shakespeare.
He has played iconic characters such as Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth.
Additionally, he is scheduled to star in a new film adaptation of Hamlet directed by Sean Mathias.
An attendee at the performance, Paul Critchley from Norfolk, described the incident as a “shock” as he saw Sir Ian fall directly in front of the audience.
The theater evacuated the public and canceled the presentation to ensure the actor’s rest.
Ian McKellen: resilience and passion for theater
This is not McKellen’s first incident on stage. Five years ago, he had to cancel a performance King Lear at the Duke of York Theater in London after suffering a leg injury while running to catch a train.
However, he demonstrated his dedication to the audience by sitting on stage to answer questions and ensuring the audience had a good experience.
McKellen has also had notable roles in productions such as Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code and Mr. Holmes.
His versatility as an actor also extends to television, having appeared in 10 episodes of the series Coronation Street as scheming romance author Mel Hutchwright.
