Sir Ian McKellen, 85, renowned for his roles on stage and screen, including Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is withdrawing from the national tour of Player Kings. This decision follows a recent incident where he fell off the stage at the Noël Coward Theatre during a performance of Sir John Falstaff. The veteran actor, who was engaged in a fight scene, experienced a painful fall, prompting immediate assistance from staff and audience members, including two doctors.
In a statement, McKellen expressed his reluctance in accepting medical advice to prioritize his recovery, stating, “Two weeks after my accident onstage, my injuries improve day by day. It’s with the greatest reluctance that I have accepted the medical advice to protect my full recovery by not working in the meantime.” He praised his understudy, David Semark, who has taken over the role of Falstaff for the remainder of the West End run and will continue in the upcoming national tour.
The production team confirmed McKellen’s absence from the tour, emphasizing his ongoing recuperation and the decision to have Semark perform the role throughout the tour dates from July 3 to July 27, 2024. McKellen’s previous Shakespearean roles, including Richard II and King Lear, highlight his illustrious career, which spans both theatre and film.
McKellen’s impact on stage and screen is vast, encompassing iconic roles such as Magneto in the X-Men series and his upcoming portrayal of Hamlet in an upcoming film adaptation. Despite setbacks, including a previous leg injury that led to the cancellation of a King Lear performance, McKellen remains resilient and committed to his craft.
David Semark, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada), steps into the role of Falstaff with McKellen’s endorsement, ensuring audiences can still experience the brilliance of Robert Icke’s production of Player Kings as it tours cities including Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, and Newcastle.
For fans and theatre enthusiasts alike, the adaptation of Henry IV, parts one and two, directed by Robert Icke, promises to captivate audiences despite McKellen’s temporary absence.
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