Sir Ian McKellen is rushed to hospital after actor, 85, tumbles off the stage during performance of Player Kings at London’s Noel Coward theatre: Audience in tears

Sir Ian McKellen has been rushed to hospital after falling from the stage during a performance at a London theater this evening.

The 85-year-old actor was involved in a fight scene during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theater when he lost his balance and tumbled off the front of the stage.

Audiences have been evacuated from the theater in London’s West End and told the evening show has been cancelled.

It is understood Sir Ian – who plays John Falstaff – was orbiting a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell from the stage.

When the lights came on in the house, the actor reportedly screamed in pain as the ushers rushed to his aid, the BBC reports.

London ambulances were seen outside the theater this evening. The extent of the Lord of the Rings actor’s injuries is not yet known.

Player Kings, which began its twelve-week West End run in April, is a production of Henry IV, parts one and two.

Those in the audience have shared their shock over the incident. One tweeted: ‘Just witnessed a terrible accident where Sir Ian McKellen tripped off stage in London. He appears seriously injured. We are all shocked and in tears.”

Another wrote: ‘Audiences shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall from the stage at the Noel Coward Theater tonight. The staff works hard to help him. I think along with him, the cast and crew.’

And a third said: ‘Shocking to see, it was a terrible fall. Hoping he is not seriously injured, he seemed to be in a lot of pain.”

Representatives for Sir Ian and the ambulance service have been contacted for comment.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

Sir Ian McKellen (centre) bows at the curtain call during the press evening performance of ‘Player Kings’ at the Noel Coward Theater on April 11