Yahoo News What we know about Ian McKellen's recovery after fall
The veteran screen and stage actor, 85, is having physiotherapy after falling off the stage while performing in the West End.
Sir Ian McKellen has revealed he is in recovery after falling off the stage while performing in the West End.
The 85-year-old actor was performing a battle scene in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London on Monday 17 June when he fell from the stage. It has been confirmed he will not appear when the run of Player Kings resumes on Thursday night, 20 June.
McKellen will be replaced by his understudy David Semark in the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances.
Ian McKellen's recovery
So what is McKellen doing in his recovery? We know The Lord of the Rings star has revealed he is doing physiotherapy, light exercise and taking lots of rest.
He said in a statement sent on his behalf by his publicist Clair Dobbs said: "After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.
"Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast."
McKellen spent three nights in hospital falling the fall. Although the extent of his injuries are not known. He has now been discharged and is resting at home. But he revealed he has been promised a "speedy recovery" by doctors.
The Shakespeare star broke his silence to thank fans for their well wishes and support while he recovers from the fall.
He on X earlier this week: "I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. 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.
"To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work."
Ian McKellen's stage plans
We don't know when McKellen will definitely be back on stage. He had hoped to be back for the last three nights of the London stage but instead is having to take time to rest.
The acting legend plans to be well enough to return to the play when it begins a national tour in just two weeks time. The tour of Player Kings is due to begin in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
The final performances in the capital will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It was revealed McKellen's understudy will take his place for these three upcoming shows.
It said: "David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday 17 June.”
It added: "We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle."
Player Kings' battle scene is pivotal
Yahoo's Roxy Simons saw Players Kings with McKellen before Monday 17 June. She said the scene in which McKellen hurt himself is pivotal to the play.
She said: "The scene is one of the most important of the production, and McKellen delivers a powerful monologue that encompasses everything you love about —and get frustrated by— Falstaff. Here is an actor who commands the stage, who can hold the audience's attention with his every word.
"I was utterly captivated by McKellen as he gave the speech, making his way across the stage to deliver the "final" blow to Hotspur. It's funny and emotional, and represents everything that I love best about seeing McKellen on stage, and it has to be seen to be believed."
