Ian McKellen 'replaced' in London show after stage fall but set to return for Newcastle

Sir Ian McKellen has now officially been 'replaced' in the London production of Player Kings by another actor, after a nasty fall off stage earlier this week.

Late on Monday night, news broke that the acting legend Ian had tumbled off stage at the Noel Coward Theatre in the West End, as staff rushed to help and emergency services were called. After an ambulance was then spotted outside the famous venue, a statement from producers was released which read: ""Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during yesterday 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."

It added: "The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible today. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”

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Ian has now missed two performances of Player Kings, with him being replaced by understudy David Semark and it's now been confirmed that David will stay in the role as the show wraps up its London run, as a fresh update was issued on Thursday. Confirming Sir Ian's continued absence and assuring ticket holders in Newcastle and other cities that he will be back, it read: "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 Sir Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday, June 18.

“We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday, July 3, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.”

Player Kings will open its Newcastle run on July 23 at the Theatre Royal, a place Ian has gone on the record as saying is his 'favourite' to perform at.