Ian McKellen will no longer be able to play Sir John Falstaff in the last three shows of his play The Players Kings in London after he accidentally fell off the stage. David Semark will take over the role while McKellen recovers.
Ian McKellen hospitalised after onstage accident, performances cancelled
Ian McKellen will not be able to perform in the final three shows of the West End version of The Players’ Kings due to collapse on Monday.
McKellen fell off the stage during his performance at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday and was hospitalised. According to the BBC, during a fight scene, the 85-year-old actor lost his balance and fell, resulting in the audience being evacuated and further screenings of the play being stopped.
However, on Thursday, the show’s production announced via social media that David Semark will perform for them for the remaining London shows. For their final three sets at the Noel Coward Theatre, he will become Sir John Falstaff while McKellen recovers.
In addition, the press release states that McKellen is expected to return when the play begins its national tour in Bristol on July 3 before touring Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
IANS Thanks to McKellen fan For Help And Assurance His return
The next day, in another statement, The Hobbit star thanked fans for their support and assured them that he would make a quick and full recovery. He also said a big thank you to those who were concerned about his condition as he now feels better; special thanks were given to the doctors associated with the National Health Service (NHS) in appreciation of their help.
In his statement McKellen said: “My injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a range of specialists, experts and nurses working for the National Health Service. Of course, I am extremely grateful to them.”
He further added, “They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
The Player Kings is a production based on William Shakespeare’s historical play Henry IV parts one and two. The theatrical production of the play, starring Ian McKellen, began a 12-week West End run in April.
