Ian McKellen drops out of Player Kings tour following injury

A further update has been revealed for Player Kings, starring Ian McKellen, following the star’s injury earlier last month.

The show has announced that David Semark will play the role of John Falstaff for the upcoming tour dates, after covering the role in the final three performances in the West End.

According to spectators, McKellen, 85, fell off the front of the stage after losing his footing during the first act of the show, crying out in pain and halting the performance. Audience members were then evacuated with front-of-house staff tending to the actor as the house lights came up.

McKellen has since thanked the NHS for his treatment and reassured supporters that he is on the road to recovery.

Robert Icke’s new production will tour to Bristol Hippodrome (3 to 6 July), Birmingham Alexandra (10 to 13 July), Norwich Theatre Royal (17 to 20 July) and Newcastle Theatre Royal (24 to 27 July).

Joining Semark as Falstaff will be Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso, Romeo and Juliet) as Hal and Richard Coyle (Ink, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as King Henry IV.

Update on casting for the national tour of Player Kings (3 – 27 July 2024): pic.twitter.com/Ys1ZnjZXRH

— Player Kings (@PlayerKingsPlay) July 1, 2024