Sir Ian McKellen confirms he's withdrawing from Player Kings tour

On social media he says 'the show goes on' but his doctors promise a complete recovery

Sir Ian McKellen
Author: Oliver Morgan & Laura Harding, PAPublished 3rd Jul 2024
Last updated 3rd Jul 2024

Sir Ian McKellen says the 'show must go on' - but it will do so without him - after a fall during a performance last month of Player Kings, which is now going on tour across the country.

It starts tonight in Bristol, but we now know David Semark will play his character Falstaff again here in Bristol, as well as in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

'Noone of us ever wants to let down our audience'

In a post on social media, he said: "Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery -but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.

"Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me. My understudy David Semark, who with panache took over for the final performances at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End of London, will play Falstaff again in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

"Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience.

"But Robert Icke’s masterful production remains intact. His mis en scene is compelling throughout and his actors, led by Toheeb Jimho and Richard Coyle as Prince Hal and his father, remain on top form. Go see for yourself!"

The veteran screen and stage actor, 85, was performing at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing in a fight scene and fell from the stage last month.

After the accident, he was taken to hospital to receive treatment and the remainder of two shows were cancelled to allow him to rest, before his understudy stepped in to finish the rest of the run in the West End.

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 (3-27 July 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."

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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