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Sir Ian McKellen has been rushed to hospital after falling off stage during a performance at a London theatre tonight.
The 85-year-old actor was involved in a fight scene during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre when he lost his balance and tumbled off the front of the stage.
The audience has been evacuated from the theatre in London’s West End and they have been told the evening show has been cancelled.
It’s understood Sir Ian – who plays John Falstaff – was circling a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy, when he fell off the stage.
As the house lights came up, the actor is said to have cried out in pain as ushers rushed to help him, the BBC reports.
London ambulances were seen outside the theatre tonight. The extent of the Lord of the Rings actor’s injuries are not known at this stage.
Player Kings, which started its 12-week West End run in April, is a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two.
Sir Ian McKellen (centre) bows at the curtain call during the press night performance of ‘Player Kings’ at the Noel Coward Theatre on April 11
Sir Ian is seen performing in a scene of Player Kings, which is on the West End until June 22
London ambulances are seen rushing to the scene following the shock fall on the West End
Those in the audience have shared their shock at the incident. One tweeted: ‘Just witnessed an awful accident with Sir Ian McKellen tripping off the stage in London. He seems badly hurt. We are all in shock and tears.’
Another wrote: ‘Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage tonight at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew.’
And a third said: ‘Shocking to watch, it was a terrible fall. Hoping he is not badly injured, he seemed to be in great pain.’
Sandro Trapani told the BBC the incident was ‘very shocking’, adding: ‘I really hope that he is going to be alright. As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.’
Sir Ian’s representatives and the London Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.
Sir Ian, who was born in Burnley, Lancashire, is noted for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also played Gandalf in the popular Lord of the Rings films.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
