SIR Ian McKellen was rushed to hospital this evening after falling off the stage during a live performance.

The acting legend is currently starring in Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London.

Sir Ian McKellen was rushed to hospital after falling off the stage during a live performance
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Sir Ian McKellen was rushed to hospital after falling off the stage during a live performanceCredit: Getty

The 85-year-old actor plays John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre
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The 85-year-old actor plays John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatreCredit: Getty

The audience was evacuated from the premises in London
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The audience was evacuated from the premises in London

Sir Ian is expected to make 'a speedy and full recovery'
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Sir Ian is expected to make ‘a speedy and full recovery’
The 85-year-old actor, who plays John Falstaff, reportedly lost his footing during a fight scene and fell.

A spokesperson for the theatre said Sir Ian is “in good spirits” and expected to make “a speedy and full recovery”.

The West End show was cancelled and the audience was evacuated from the premises.

It is understood the veteran stage and screen actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage.

The Lord Of The Rings star was heard crying out in pain as staff rushed to help.

Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, is adapted and directed by Robert Icke.

It is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July and will also be staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

“I really hope that he is going to be alright,” a member of the audience told the BBC.

“As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”

Audience member Paul Critchley said it was a “shock” to witness Sir Ian fall from the stage during the production.

Mr Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, said: “Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene.

“He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.

“The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident.

“We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy.

“An announcement was made by theatre management that the show had been cancelled, that Sir Ian was receiving treatment and an ambulance had been called.

“It was a shock to witness his fall and I wish him a speedy recovery.

“My thoughts are also with his fellow cast members, stage crew and front of house team at the Noel Coward Theatre.”

It has since emerged that Sir Ian is recovering well in hospital after the incident.

A spokesperson for Noël Coward theatre said: “Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.

“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.

“The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest.

“Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.

“Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”

Sir Ian’s representatives and the London Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.