Sir Ian McKellen breaks silence with message of thanks as he confirms injuries 'diagnosed and treated' following stage fall
McKellen has updated fans following the worrying incident
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Sir Ian McKellen worried fans on Monday night after it was confirmed he was rushed to hospital after falling from the stage during a live performance.
The 85-year-old had been performing in a fight scene in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in the capital on Monday when disaster struck.
According to reports just hours after the accident, the actor lost his balance and fell from the stage.
The BBC reported the audience were swiftly evacuated from the theatre and Monday's show was cancelled.
The extent of McKellen's injuries weren't clear until Tuesday morning, when it was revealed that thankfully, the Lord of the Rings legend was expected to make a full recovery.
A representative for the theatre told Metro: "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.
McKellen fell from the stage and 'cried out in pain' on Monday night
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"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. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support."
Breaking his silence, the iconic actor took to social media on Tuesday night to thank those who have offered support.
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…
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) June 18, 2024
He wrote on X: "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. Thanks to @dobbsCLD."
McKellen is expected to next appear in Wednesday’s matinee performance of the production.
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McKellen is expected to maker a full recovery
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Audience member Zack McCann recalled the frightening moment while speaking to the publication, explaining: "It was pretty awful to see!
"Close to the end of Act One there is a fight scene between Prince Hal and Hotspur and Falstaff (Sir Ian’s character) comes onstage. During the fight, Sir Ian looked to have tripped and fell into the first row.
"As he called out for help, the cast came to help him and the lights came up. The staff at the Noel Coward Theatre were wonderful and lept into action to attend to him, and evacuated the theatre.
"[They] made sure to let us know quickly that they were waiting on an ambulance and would be cancelling the remainder of the show."