Sir Ian McKellen put on a brave face as he turned up to surprise the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle on Saturday, after he was forced to withdraw from the show. 

The actor, 85, was playing John Falstaff in the production at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his footing in a fight scene and plunged from the stage into the audience.

Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and suffered injuries to his wrist and neck which meant he could no longer complete the stint of shows. 

Six weeks after the horror fall, the acting legend was still recovering from his injuries as he arrived at the Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist support. 

The actor took to Instagram earlier in the day to announce he would be part of the audience at the play in Newcastle. 

Sharing a professional photo with his freshly cut hair, Sir Ian wrote: ‘On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months. 

‘I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle.’ 

The hair salon Supply 91 also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the photoshoot with Sir Ian showing off his shorter hairstyle.  

Fans took to the comment share to share wish Ian a fast recovery. 

They wrote: ‘So happy I saw you in this! Wonderful experience. Wish you a speedy and full recovery. Xx’ 

‘Your performance was incredible! So glad I got to see and meet you. I bet removing Falstaff’s hair is a relief x’ 

‘Wish I could have seen you in Birmingham’ and ‘Congratulations on a lovely run! I’m sorry you weren’t able to finish it but keep healing! We need you for as long as we can have you’.  

Despite his injuries, Sir Ian appeared in a cheery mood. 

The actor showed off his style in a navy hat, long black coat, sunglasses and a patterned scarf. 

‘I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle.’ 

The hair salon Supply 91 also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the photoshoot with Sir Ian showing off his shorter hairstyle.  

Fans took to the comment share to share wish Ian a fast recovery. 

They wrote: ‘So happy I saw you in this! Wonderful experience. Wish you a speedy and full recovery. Xx’ 

‘Your performance was incredible! So glad I got to see and meet you. I bet removing Falstaff’s hair is a relief x’ 

‘Wish I could have seen you in Birmingham’ and ‘Congratulations on a lovely run! I’m sorry you weren’t able to finish it but keep healing! We need you for as long as we can have you’.  

Earlier this month, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.

 He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’

‘Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me,’ Ian continued on X. 

‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience,’ he added.

Sir Ian announced that he was having ‘physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home’ after three nights in hospital.

The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage, and was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help.

In his statement, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.

‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast. 

‘The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’

Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The play moved to the Bristol Hippodrome before being staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times