Sir Ian McKellen has said it is with ‘the greatest reluctance’ he is taking medical advice to ‘protect [his] recovery’ and withdraw from the national tour of Player Kings, following his fall from a West End stage.
The acting legend, 85, went flying from the West End stage on June 18 during a fight scene after losing his footing.
He landed on an audience member who also required medical attention.
Sir Ian was taken to hospital for treatment and the remaining two shows were cancelled to allow him to rest before his understudy stepped in.
While Sir Ian was initially able to return to complete the run, it has now been confirmed his understudy, David Semark, will step in to play Sir John Falstaff for the national tour, which begins on Wednesday.
In a new statement, Sir Ian McKellen gave the devastating update: ‘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.
‘I had been so looking forward to bringing Player Kings to theatre-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. Go see for yourself!’
A statement from the production added: ‘Following Ian McKellen’s injury during the West End run of Player Kings, his doctors’ advice is to take time off from work in order to fully recover.
‘As such, he will not be returning to play Sir John Falstaff in the national tour of Players Kings (July 3-27, 2024).
‘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.
‘As it was for the final West End performances, the role of Falstaff will now be performed by David Semark, Ian’s brilliant understudy, for all tour dates of Player Kings.’
Previously, Sir Ian assured concerned fans that he was recovering well.
The Hobbit star told Metro.co.uk: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.’
He thanked everyone for their ‘many messages of love and support’ for aiding his ‘speedy’ healing process.
Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome on July 3.
Semark trained at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (Rada) and has credits in TV shows including EastEnders, Doctors, Law & Order UK and The Bill.
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