Ian McKellen Withdraws From Play Following West End Fall

Ian McKellen has withdrawn from the West End production of Player Kings following his fall from the stage last month.

The actor was starring as John Falstaff in the production of the play at the Noel Coward Theatre, when he fell off the stage back in June.

Lord of the Rings star McKellen was rushed to hospital for treatment, before withdrawing from the next two shows in order to recuperate from his injuries, with his understudy David Semark deputising in his absence.

In a new statement, Ian McKellen has confirmed that he will not be returning to the production, as he takes medical advice to "protect my recovery". 

"Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day", McKellen said. "It's with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime". 

The actor continued: "I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatre-goers 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!". 

"ensure a complete recovery" 

The production also added this statement: "Following Ian McKellen's injury during the West End run of Player Kings, 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 Players Kings (3-27 July 2024)", they continued. "Ian continues to recuperate very well, but he needs the time to rest and ensure a complete recovery. We continue to send him our best wishes". 

"As it was for the final West End performances, the role of Falstaff will now be performed by David Semark, Ian’s brilliant understudy, for all tour dates of Player Kings".