The 85-year-old actor fell off the front of the stage after losing his footing during a battle scene. He was performing in Player Kings at Noël Coward theatre in London’s West End.
The BBC reports that the actor cried out and staff rushed to help as the house lights came up.
The audience was evacuated after the incident and the remainder of the show was cancelled.
Player Kings is a production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts One and Two. McKellen plays John Falstaff in the production, which started a 12-week run on the West End in April.
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. #playerkings pic.twitter.com/mLLhu83cpj
— Paul Nero (@paulnero1) June 17, 2024
