Ian McKellen's West End show cancelled again after star falls from stage in front of horrified audience

Ian McKellen's West End show has been cancelled again after the star fell from the stage in front of horrified audience members on Monday (June 17).

The legendary actor, 85, suffered a fall on stage during the performance of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday night and was taken to hospital. He let out a 'scream' as the audience were evacuated from the venue.

Sir Ian McKellen said on Tuesday that he is 'looking forward to returning to work' as he thanked the NHS staff who cared for him after his fall.

READ MORE Sir Ian McKellen condition update released after star hurt in shocking fall from stage

The veteran stage and screen actor, 85, was portraying John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage. In a new statement he thanked fans for their support and said his recovery should be 'speedy'.

However, it has now been announced that Wednesday's performance of the show has been cancelled. In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, the production said the star is 'recovering well' and that they 'look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready'.

“The performance on Wednesday 19 June will be cancelled following Ian McKellen’s fall during the performance of Player Kings on Monday (17 June)”, the statement said.

“Bookers for the affected performance will be contacted by their point of purchase directly. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Noel Coward Theatre on Thursday 20 June.

“We are delighted that Ian is recovering well, and look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready. We will keep audiences updates regarding remaining performances this week.”

It was reported that McKellen had lost his footing during an intense fight scene. The remainder of Monday and Tuesday’s performances were also cancelled to allow the star to rest.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, he said he is 'hugely indebted' to the medical staff who have assured him his recovery will be 'complete and speedy'.

“I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” Sir Ian said in the statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.

“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."

Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, is due to end its run at the Noel Coward Theatre on Saturday. The play will then move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July before being staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.