Ian McKellen gives health update following on-stage accident
Earlier in the week, legendary actor and national treasure Ian McKellen fell from the stage during a performance on the West End. He has now provided a health update after hospitalisation.
The accident occurred on Monday at the Noel Coward Theatre during a performance of Player Kings, which adapts both parts of Shakespeare’s Henry IV plays. McKellen stars as Falstaff, while Toheeb Jimoh plays Prince Hal, and Richard Coyle plays King Henry IV.
McKellen fell from the front of the stage mid-performance, leading him to be hospitalised in Paddington, London. The performances originally scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday night were cancelled to allow McKellen to rest and recover, with the show expected to return on Thursday, June 20th. The play was initially scheduled to end this week, on Saturday, June 22nd.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Noel Coward Theatre on Thursday 20 June,” wrote the Player Kings account on X, “We are delighted that Ian is recovering well, and look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready.” They assured audiences that they would be kept in the loop on the remaining performances.
Now, McKellen has also posted a statement on X to provide an update on his health, suggesting that his recovery will be “speedy”. He also thanked people for their support and expressed his particular appreciation for those working for the NHS.
“I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” the statement began, “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.”
McKellen went on to state that he was “hugely indebted” to the NHS staff who helped him following the fall. “They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy,” he concluded, “and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
As yet, no further updates have been provided on the remaining performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward.
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