“On the Mend” Sir Ian McKellen Reveals Wrist and Neck Injuries After Stage Fight Fall
Sir Ian McKellen has disclosed that he injured his wrist and neck after falling from a West End stage last month, leading to his withdrawal from the remainder of the show’s national tour.
The 85-year-old actor was portraying Sir John Falstaff in the production of “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing during a fight scene and fell. Assuring fans through a social media post, Sir Ian stated that his injuries are “on the mend” and his doctors have assured him of a “complete recovery” if he refrains from working for the next few weeks, told Daily Mail.
Following the accident, Sir Ian was taken to the hospital for treatment. His understudy, David Semark, stepped in to finish the show’s run in the West End. It was confirmed earlier this week that Sir Ian would be withdrawing from the show’s national tour, with Semark continuing in his role.
In an update on X, Sir Ian said: “Just two weeks after my accident onstage, I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries [to wrist and neck] are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the show goes on and the Player Kings company starts their four weeks’ tour without me. My understudy David Semark, who with panache took over for the final performances at the Noel Coward Theatre in the West End of London, will play Falstaff again in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, and Newcastle.”
Sir Ian expressed his difficulty in missing the shows but encouraged viewers to attend the “masterful production” by Robert Icke. “Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame,” he added. “None of us ever wants to let down our audience. But Robert Icke’s masterful production remains intact. His mise-en-scene is compelling throughout and his actors, led by Toheeb Jimoh and Richard Coyle as Prince Hal and his father, remain on top form. Go see for yourself!”
In a statement shared on Monday, the “Player Kings” production sent their “best wishes” to Sir Ian as he recovered from the fall. The company continues to tour, showcasing the production’s excellence, now led by David Semark in the role of Sir John Falstaff.