Sir Ian McKellen, 85, shares a poignant message as he watches the final show of Player Kings in Newcastle after he was forced to withdraw following shocking stage fall

Sir Ian McKellen shared a poignant message as he attended Player Kings’ final show on Saturday after being forced to withdraw due to injuries sustained in a fall.

The 85-year-old actor announced via Instagram that he would be in the audience at the play in Newcastle.

It was a mixed bag for Sir Ian. The actor was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his balance during a fight scene and fell from the stage into the audience.

Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital, suffering injuries to his wrist and neck, which meant he was unable to complete the shows.

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

On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which had been growing for 9 months,’ he wrote

Sir Ian had his hair cut by Supply 91 salon in London and posed for a photo, still wearing a wristband as he continues to recover

‘I’ll be in the audience at the matinee performance in Newcastle.’

Hair salon Supply 91 also shared a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot, in which Sir Ian shows off his shorter haircut.

Fans responded en masse, wishing Ian a speedy recovery.

They wrote: ‘So glad to see you here! Amazing experience. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Xx’

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

‘I wish I could have seen you in Birmingham’ and ‘Congratulations on a great run! Shame you couldn’t finish it, but keep healing! We need you while we can have you’.

Earlier this month, Sir Ian shared a health update with his many fans via X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my onstage accident I would like to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to my wrist and neck) are healing,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a full recovery – but only if I do not work for the next few weeks.’

“In the meantime, the show goes on and the Player Kings company will begin their four-week tour without me,” Ian continued on X.

Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital suffering injuries to his wrist and neck, which meant he could no longer complete the shows (pictured earlier this month)

Fans took to the comment section to wish Ian a speedy recovery, writing: ‘So glad I saw you here! Amazing experience. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Xx’

Last week, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans

“Every actor will tell you that missing a performance feels a little embarrassing, even if it’s not their fault. None of us ever want to let our audience down,” he added.

Sir Ian announced that after three nights in hospital he would receive ‘physiotherapy, gentle exercise and plenty of essential rest at home’.

The actor was appearing in a scene with the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell from the front of the stage and was heard screaming in pain as staff rushed to his aid.

Sir Ian said in his statement: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall on stage have been fully assessed and I am now receiving physiotherapy, gentle exercise and much needed rest at home.

‘Meanwhile, my role in Player Kings is being filled by the formidable David Semark, supported by the wonderful production and cast of Robert Icke.

‘I am sure that the many expressions of love and support will contribute to the rapid 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 transferred to the Bristol Hippodrome and was subsequently performed in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.