Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to hospital after falling off stage during a performance at a London theatre.
The 85-year-old was acting in a fight scene during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London when he lost his balance and fell off of the stage. The audience was evacuated from the theatre in London’s West End and they have been told the evening show has been cancelled.
An audience member told the BBC that the incident was “very shocking”. They added: “I really hope that he is going to be alright. As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”
READ MORE: Corrie’s Nathan ‘working with’ shock cobbles resident – and Bethany will be heartbroken
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
Player Kings is a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two and started its 12-week West End run in April. It is believed that Ian – who plays the character John Falstaff – was circling a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy, when he fell off the stage.
(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Since the incident took place, there has been no update regarding the extent of the actor’s injuries. However, It has been reported that Ian cried out in pain as staff rushed to help him.
Those in the audience who witnessed what happened have shared their shock on social media. Heading over to X formerly known as Twitter, one theatre attendee wrote: “Just witnessed an awful accident with Sir Ian McKellen tripping off the stage in London. He seems badly hurt. We are all in shock and tears.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox?Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The)
Another then wrote: “Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage tonight at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew.”
A third theatre-goer added: “Shocking to watch, it was a terrible fall. Hoping he is not badly injured, he seemed to be in great pain.”
Another said: “Sending loads of well wishes to Sir @IanMcKellen after his fall. May he recover with speed.”
(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The synopsis for Ian’s production Player Kings reads: “A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. Welcome to England.
“Hal wasn’t born to be king. Only now, it seems, he will be. His father longs for him to leave behind his friends in the taverns of Eastcheap, most notably the infamous John Falstaff. War is on the horizon. But will Hal ever come good?”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
