Sir Ian McKellen has thanked the NHS in a statement speaking out for the first time after suffering an on-stage fall.
The revered Burnley-born actor is currently starring as John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s prestigious West End, but during Monday (17 June) night’s show, the 85-year-old was said to have he lost his footing on stage while performing a fight scene and reportedly fell into the orchestra pit.
Audience members who took to social media shortly after the incident said they heard the McKellen “cry out in pain” after falling, before the theatre was swiftly evacuated.
Sir Ian was taken to hospital for medical treatment following the dramatic fall, and the theatre subsequently issued a statement saying it had made the decision to cancel the shows on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Fans were reassured, however, that the actor was “in good spirits” and expected to “make a full recovery”.
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Sir Ian McKellen is is currently starring as John Falstaff in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre / Credit: ATG Tickets
Now, for the first time since suffering the fall, the Tony, Olivier, and Golden Globe award-winning actor has issued a statement thanking the public for all their “kind messages and support”, as well as thanking the country’s health service for the treatment he received.
McKellen said he is “hugely indebted” to the NHS in his update message.
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Taking to X to speak to fans directly yesterday evening (18 June), Sir Ian wrote: “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support.
“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.”
I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. 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…
As well as thanking fans for their support and the NHS for the treatment he received, Sir Ian also gave an update on his anticipated recovery journey, and made sure to say how much he is eager to get back on stage as soon as possible.
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“[The NHS] have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy,” McKellen’s statement continued, “and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
The Noel Coward Theatre has confirmed in an updated statement on X that it intends to go ahead with tomorrow night’s show (Thursday 19 June).
David Semark is listed on the Player’s Kings wesbite as the “cover” actor for Sir Ian’s leading role.
Featured Image – Manuel Harlan / Player Kings (via X)
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
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All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Emily Sergeant -
19th June 2024 
