Ian McKellen will not perform in the final three shows of the West End run of “Player Kings” after suffering a fall on Monday.

“Player Kings” announced on social media on Thursday that David Semark would take over McKellen’s role for its final performances in London. However, McKellen is still set to return when the play’s national tour kicks off in Bristol on July 3.

“David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of ‘Player Kings’ at the Noël Coward Theatre in London while Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday 17 June,” the statement reads. “We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday 3 July, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.”

Related Stories

Photo illustration of a pixelated Taylor Swift with caution signs on her face VIP+

How Celebrity Reps Are Fighting the Flood of Unauthorized AI Content

Playing Gracie Darling

Paramount+ Commissions Australian Mystery Drama Series ‘Playing Gracie Darling’ – Global Bulletin

McKellen was hospitalized after falling off the stage during a performance on Monday. The 85-year-old was reportedly performing a battle scene when he fell, and the crowd was evacuated and the rest of the performance canceled.

Popular on Variety

In a statement the following day, McKellen said his recovery would be “complete and speedy.”

“I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support,” McKellen said. “Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.”

“Player Kings,” which is a production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Parts One and Two,” started its 12-week run on the West End in April.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXOAjq2fnpmkmr9ws8uomZqkX56ur3nMnKKepJyau26vwKeanqSjYr2trdieqWajmaO0tHnWnqqtZZWjsW68xKudqKqdlruksdJmnZqknGJ%2Bc3%2BVaWtrcWdlfA%3D%3D