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.”
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
18th June 2024 
