Actor Sir Ian McKellen says he is withdrawing from a U.K. Sir Ian, 85, said his injuries “improve day by day.”
Ian McKellen is reluctantly stepping away from his role in “Player Kings” following an onstage fall last month
Tour of his play because he needs more time to recover after falling off the stage at a London theater.
He said “It’s with the greatest hesitancy that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery,”
He added: “I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theater-goers in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
But I can assure them that, with David Semark now playing Falstaff, Robert Icke’s production and his acting company remain as dazzling as ever.”
Ian McKellen & His Reward:
The “Lord of the Rings” star spent three nights in a London hospital after tumbling from the stage during a performance of “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theater on June 17.
The play is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s two “Henry IV” history plays, directed by Robert Icke.
Several performances cancelled after the incident before resuming the run with understudy David Semark in the role of Falstaff.
“Ian continues to recuperate very well, but he needs the time to rest and ensure a complete recovery.
We continue to send him our best wishes,” producers of “Player Kings” added in the statement shared Monday.
Producers said Semark would continue to play the part during a national tour that runs July 3-27. Sir Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings,”.
Magneto in the “X-Men” films, is one of Britain’s most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.
He take a Tony Award for “Amadeus,” several Olivier Awards, and received nominations for two Academy Awards.
McKellen thanked fans “for their kind messages and support” in a post on X.
