Sir Ian McKellen: Lord of the Rings star rushed to hospital after falling off stage during West End performance

The Lord of the Rings star was performing as John Falstaff in Player Kings at London’s Noel Coward Theatre in the West End when the incident took place. The 85-year-old Oscar-nominated actor is believed to have been performing a fight scene when he lost his footing onstage.

According to theatregoers, Sir Ian cried out in pain after the fall with staff running to help. The audience was quickly evacuated from the theatre following the fall, with the show cancelled while he received treatment.

Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk who was in the audience, said: “Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene. He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.

“The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident. We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy.

“An announcement was made by theatre management that the show had been cancelled, that Sir Ian was receiving treatment and an ambulance had been called. It was a shock to witness his fall and I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts are also with his fellow cast members, stage crew and front of house team at the Noel Coward Theatre.”

A spokesperson for the Noel Coward Theatre confirmed that Sir Ian is set to make a “speedy and full recovery”, with the actor expected to make his return to the stage on Wednesday (June 19). The spokesperson said: “Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.

“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits. The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.”