Audience member reveals Sir Ian McKellen flew head first into her from the stage

A WEST End playgoer has revealed Sir Ian McKellen flew head first into her from the stage.

Johanna, 30, was left bruised when the Lord of the Rings star took his tumble in a fight scene during Player Kings.

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She said he tripped on a prop and hit his head on her knee as she sat in the front row.

Johanna, from Leatherhead, Surrey, told the BBC: “Crushed by Gandalf — that’s something you don’t expect.”

Sir Ian, 85, was treated in hospital and has been sidelined since the fall on Wednesday last week.

He will not return to his role at the Noel Coward Theatre as he rests and has physiotherapy.

A spokesperson for the Noel Coward Theatre told the BBC: “As the theatre hosting the production, we are very sorry that this rare accident occurred during a performance of Player Kings.

“We maintain the highest standards of safety and are conducting a thorough investigation with the producers.

“We have been in regular contact with those involved to offer support and assistance from the moment it happened and will continue to do so.

“We wish Johanna and Sir Ian full and speedy recoveries.”