Ian McKellen set for Newcastle visit to 'favourite' theatre after nasty fall at London theatre

Ian McKellen is due on stage in Newcastle at his 'favourite theatre' in just a month's time, as fans will the acting legend to make a speedy recovery, following his nasty fall during a performance in London on Monday.

Sir Ian, the acclaimed star of stage and screen, who has appeared in the likes of The Lord of the Rings, Richard III and even Coronation Street, is currently in the West End in hit play Player Kings and Monday's performance took a turn for the worse when the 85-year-old took a tumble during a fight scene on stage.

Sir Ian, who is taking on the role of John Falstaff, was said to have been left 'crying out in pain' as the house lights at the Noel Coward Theatre went up and members of staff rushed to help him, with an ambulance then being spotted outside the famous venue. In the past, the much loved star has gone on record as saying the Theatre Royal is his favourite theatre to play and he is due back on stage in Grey Street on Tuesday, July 23 when Player Kings begins its run in the city

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One of Sir Ian's more recent visits to Tyneside saw him be a surprise guest at the Theatre Royal for a matinee performance of the UK tour of smash hit musical Les Miserables and there was delight for staff and drinkers at Lady Grey's pub, when Ian joined his fellow cast members from Les Mis at the Shakespeare Street haunt, which is just opposite the theatre's stage door.

He was an enthusiastic participant in a mass singalong of the show's anthemic track One Day More, with one of the Les Mis company, Will Richardson, describing him as a true thespian legend" and saying he'd helped him give an afternoon he'd 'never forget.'

The producers of Player Kings issued an update on Sir Ian's condition on Tuesday morning, in a statement 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.”