Sir Ian McKellen has had to be taken to hospital after a dramatic fall from the stage last night.
The Burnley-born icon had been performing a fight scene at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing and reportedly fell into the orchestra pit.
Audience members said they heard the 85-year-old actor cry out in pain and the theatre was swiftly evacuated.
Sir Ian, who has been starring as John Falstaff in Player Kings, was taken to hospital following the dramatic fall, where he’s in ‘good spirits’ and expected to ‘make a full recovery’.
The theatre has taken the decision to cancel this evening’s performance of Player Kings ‘so Ian can rest’.
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The production, adapted from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, previewed here in Manchester back in March at the Opera House theatre.
It’s since moved down to London where Sir Ian has been performing to sold-out theatre audiences.
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One audience member from last night said: “Just witnessed an awful accident with Sir Ian McKellen tripping off the stage in London. He seems badly hurt. We are all in shock and tears.”
Another posted on X: “As patrons & producers of theatre, it was devastating to be at Player Kings tonight when Sir Ian McKellen fell off the stage during a battle scene. Still in shock. Sending love & light Sir Ian. Thinking of the cast, crew & audience members who experienced this traumatic event.”
Just witnessed Ian Mckellan severely injure himself after falling off stage at Noel Coward Theatre. Sir Ian could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. Show cancelled as he is treated by ambulance crews. Wish him all the best. #playerkings#ianmckellanpic.twitter.com/gjUJNyhxF9
Someone else said: “Just witnessed Ian Mckellan severely injure himself after falling off stage at Noel Coward Theatre. Sir Ian could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. Show cancelled as he is treated by ambulance crews. Wish him all the best.”
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One witness shared on Instagram: “Middle of the show. Sir Ian falls off the stage. I’m stunned right now. Never, in a hundred shows, seen anything like it. I’m hoping he is OK.”
A spokesperson for the Noel Coward theatre said: “Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following lan’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.
As patrons & producers of theatre, it was devastating to be at Player Kings tonight when Sir Ian McKellen fell off the stage during a battle scene. Still in shock. Sending love & light Sir Ian. Thinking of the cast, crew & audience members who experienced this traumatic event ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oWABBZbhwC
“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and lan is in good spirits.
“The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so lan 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.”
Phil Foden flying home from Euro 2024 for ‘birth of third child’
Danny Jones
Phil Foden has reportedly left the England camp and is said to be flying home to England temporarily from Euro 2024 for the birth of his third child.
The Manchester City and Three Lions star is thought to have already left the national team camp on Wednesday, 26 June following England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia which saw top Group C.
It has now been clarified that his long-term partner Rebecca Cooke has given birth to their third child, according to the BBC. A dad’s got to have priorities.
The attacking midfielder has played as a left-sided forward in all of England‘s group fixtures thus far and looked to have had his brightest performance yet on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old, who won Premier League Player of the Season for 23/24, looked to be struggling in the opening two games but nearly grabbed an assist in the final group fixture only for the move to be ultimately ruled out for offside.
It remains unclear how long Foden will be away from the rest of his England teammates but we’re just glad to hear it’s good news. Congratulations, Phil!
The couple have two children: two-year-old daughter True and first-born son Ronnie, five, who oddly went viral in South America last year and is already a bit of a footballing star himself.
With Gareth Southgate‘s side still yet to find any real momentum in the tournament, the squad, pundits and fans alike will still be hoping he can return as soon as possible if they are to gain the kind of attacking rhythm they are crying out for ahead of the knockouts.
England play their round of 16 match in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 5pm (GMT), though their opponents will only be confirmed following Wednesday’s final group games.
But for now, congrats again to the young couple – we wish them all the best as they welcome a new life into the world and look forward to seeing the local lad back on the pitch when he’s ready.
FA confirm date and kick-off time for 2024 Manchester derby Community Shield
Danny Jones
The FA has finally confirmed the date and scheduled kick-off time for the 2024 Community Shield between Manchester United and Manchester City.
It was only last month that we saw the second-ever Manchester derby FA Cup final in history play out and now we’ll see the two teams return to the capital in just over a month and a half for another clash.
Revealing the Community Shield details on Wednesday, this year’s game will take place at 3pm on Saturday, 10 August.
Best getting booking them train tickets, Manc.
This year’s Community Shield kick-off time will be identical to the last two FA Cups. (Credit: Ratchet8865 via Wikimedia Commons)
With Man City having won a record fourth Premier League in a row and Man United getting one over on the Blues against the odds in last season’s FA Cup final, the neighbours will take each other on for just the third time in the history of the Community Shield – United having prevailed in both of the previous.
The Red Devils have won the title a total of 17 times, while the Cityzens have lifted the pre-season trophy just six times.
Given the nature of the rivalry, the kick-off time comes as little surprise, with 3pm having been chosen for the start of the last two Manchester derbies at Wembley to aid with travel and crowd control.
Nevertheless, an increased police presence will once again be expected in London.
While featuring in the Community Shield has been a regular occurrence for City over the past few years, they have only won two under Pep Guardiola. Meanwhile, this will be Erik ten Hag’s first experience of the fixture and United haven’t taken part in it since they last won the FA Cup in the 2016/17 season.
The match will be televised live on ITV 1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, with comprehensive radio coverage from BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC World Service, TalkSPORT and TalkSPORT International.
Although the allocations and further ticket information remain unclear, the FA said they will announce all of the important details “at the earliest opportunity”.