Sir Ian McKellen will not return to the title role for the final three West End performances of Player Kings, after falling from the stage on 17 June.
It is hoped the veteran actor will return to the cast when the play moves to Bristol on July 3.
The role of Sir John Falstaff will instead be played by David Seamark, who plays Sir Richard Vernon, but is also Sir Ian’s stand-in. The play’s production team said.
The actor said he was receiving “physical therapy, light exercise and a lot of basic rest at home” after three nights in hospital.
A full recovery is expected
The Player Kings
Semark’s theater credits include The Mousetrap and Richard III for the RSC, while his television appearances include Hustle and Law and Order UK.
Adapted from award-winning writer-director Robert Icke, Player Kings combines two of Shakespeare’s great historical plays, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, in a new interpretation.
The play began its preview runs at the Noel Coward Theater in London on 1 April and ends on 22 June, before traveling to Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
The actor was performing in a fight scene when he lost his balance.
He reportedly screamed in pain for help, and a staff member rushed to help him. He was taken to hospital and the play was cancelled.
A theater spokesman later said Sir Ian had undergone an examination and paramedics said he would “make a speedy and full recovery”.
In a message on X The day after his fall, Sir Ian said: “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.”
“My injuries were diagnosed and treated by a group of experts, specialists and nurses working in the NHS. I am of course greatly indebted to them.”
“They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and quick and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
Five years ago, the Olivier Award-winning actor had to cancel a performance of King Lear at the Duke of York’s Theater in London, after suffering a leg injury while running to catch a train.
He was keen to spend a good time with the audience by sitting on the stage and answering questions.
Player Kings began its 12-week run in the West End in April, and the actor told the BBC at the time that he had “finally played the role he had always turned down”.
He explained that he almost turned down the opportunity again, but “Ike was intrigued and eventually convinced him”, who “turned Falstaff into a believable character rather than an exaggeration.”
