Sir Ian McKellen will not return for the remaining West End shows after fall from stage

Sir Ian McKellen will not be returning for the remaining performances of Player Kings on the West End (Picture: Getty Images)

Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen will not appear when performances of Player Kings resumes in the West End on Thursday, and will remain absent for the final shows of the run.

It has been confirmed that the actor’s understudy, David Semark, will go on instead.

Sir Ian told Metro.co.uk: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.

‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark, supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast. The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’

Sir Ian was rushed to hospital during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre in London on June 18 after he lost his footing during a fight scene, causing him to tumble off the stage.

Originally, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s performances were cancelled to allow Sir Ian to rest, but now it seems he will still be unable to perform come Thursday as well.

The actor was rushed to the hospital following the incident (Picture: Getty Images)

An additional statement from the production said: ‘David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Sir Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday 18 June.

‘We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday July 3, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.’

Sir Ian previously said he was ‘looking forward to returning to work’ and is ‘hugely indebted’ to NHS staff who treated him after the incident.

Sir Ian plays the role of John Falstaff in the production (Picture: Getty Images)

The Lord of the Rings star wrote on X: ‘I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.

‘Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service.

‘To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.’

Eyewitnesses attested that after the fall, Sir Ian was heard crying out in pain, and the house lights quickly came up as employees rushed to help him and get him into an ambulance.

The audience was immediately evacuated and informed that the evening show was cancelled.

A representative for Player Kings sent Metro.co.uk the following statement shortly after the accident: ‘Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.

‘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.

‘The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.

‘Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.’

The adaptation has been widely praised (Picture: Jacob Freedland/PA Wire)

Sir Ian told the BBC earlier this year that he was looking forward to playing the iconic role of Falstaff.

He said: ‘Actors who have taken on the role say it is verbally very challenging – it seems that the role was written for a particular actor and comedian in Shakespeare’s time, so it’s a bit like being given a script for Michael McIntyre.’

Sir Ian also made it clear he was looking forward to touring the show, which is due to move from the West End to Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, and Newcastle in coming months.

He said: ‘The play itself has so many settings across England, from the taverns of the East End to the rural peaceful countryside of Gloucestershire and so it only makes sense that we take this show all around, giving the opportunity to as many people as possible to see it.’

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