Sir Ian McKellen won’t re-appear in Player Kings within the West End

Sir Ian McKellen will not appear when the run of Player Kings resumes in the West End on Thursday night after his fall from the stage.

A post on social media confirmed his understudy David Semark will go on instead.

A statement said: ‘David Semark will be playing the role of Sir John Falstaff for the final three scheduled performances of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London while Sir Ian McKellen recuperates following his fall on Monday (1)8 June.

‘We look forward to Ian returning to the production, which begins a national tour in Bristol on Wednesday July 3, before visiting Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.’

Sir Ian McKellen (centre) bows at the curtain call during the press night performance of Player Kings at the Noel Coward theatre on April 11

Sir Ian is seen performing in a scene of Player Kings, which is in the West End until June 22

Audience members gather outside the Noel Coward theatre after having to evacuate