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Sir Ian McKellen pulls out of Player Kings tour after fall from West End stage

1 July 2024, 14:21 | Updated: 1 July 2024, 15:33

Sir Ian McKellen has pulled out of a national tour after falling from a stage in the West End while performing in a play.

Sir Ian was performing in Player Kings earlier this month at the Noel Coward theatre when he fell into the audience.

The production had been due to go on tour until 27 July but Sir Ian, 85, has announced his withdrawal with the "greatest reluctance" to "protect my recovery".

A statement from the production said: "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).

"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."

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