SIR Ian McKellen has revealed he is having physiotherapy while he takes a break from performing following a fall from a West End stage on Monday (June 17).
The final London dates of the production, Player Kings, will see Sir Ian’s understudy take on the role of Falstaff while the veteran actor recuperates following the accident.
After his fall, The Lord Of The Rings star and Olivier Award-winner Sir Ian thanked everyone who had left messages of support.
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Sir Ian is a patron of Oxford Pride and played a key role in the creation of the local festivities, and the organisers sent their support to the 85-year-old on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Oxford Pride said: "The Oxford Pride team were saddened to hear about Sir Ian McKellen’s accident when performing in London last night.
"As a patron to Oxford Pride, a long-time champion of LGBTQIA+ causes and a much-loved member of our community, we are sending Sir Ian our best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery."
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Today, a statement sent on his behalf by his publicist Clair Dobbs to the PA news agency 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.
“The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.”
The screen and stage actor, 85, was taken to hospital on June 17 to receive treatment after he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage.
The remainder of the night’s show was cancelled following the fall.
Sir Ian was expected to make a return for Wednesday’s performance before it was announced on Tuesday that the show would not return until Thursday evening.
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A post to the Player Kings X, formerly Twitter, account on Thursday said that actor David Semark would take his place for the remainder of the London dates.
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, June 17.”
It added: “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.”
The final London performances are taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Sir Ian’s understudy, Semark, trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has credits in TV shows including EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill.
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