SIR Ian McKellen’s West End performance has been cancelled tomorrow night after he was rushed to hospital following a horror fall on stage.
The Lord of The Rings legend tripped and plunged “head first” while starring in West End show Player Kings last night.
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A statement on X, formerly Twitter announced he will not return to the Noel Coward theatre on Wednesday – but will be back “as soon as he is ready”.
It said: “The performance on Wednesday 19 June will be cancelled following lan McKellen’s fall during the performance of Player Kings on Monday (17 June).
“Bookers for the affected performance will be contacted by their point of purchase directly.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Noël Coward Theatre on Thursday 20 June.
“We are delighted that lan is recovering well, and look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready.
“We will keep audiences updated regarding remaining performances this week.”
The West End show was cancelled last night and the stunned audience ushered out of the theatre after Sir Ian, who plays John Falstaff, lost his footing during a fight scene.
Theatregoers told how Sir Ian tripped and the set was reportedly littered with broken-up bricks and daggers for the battlefield scene.
Audience member Kol Baker told the Mail Sir Ian “tripped over” some props and fell off the stage “in almost a belly flop fashion”.
Kol, 23, added: “Instantly he screamed and honestly the noises were bone-chilling.
“The lights were on so quickly the curtains drawn and within seconds they asked to evacuate the whole auditorium.”
Theatregoer Charlie Johnson told ITV: “I think what happened was he put his foot too far.
“He lost his balance and pretty much just went head first into the audience.
“And within seconds a blood-curdling scream arose from the actor.
“He was clearly in a lot of pain – he was screaming ‘Help me!'”
