Ian McKellen taken to hospital after falling off the front of the stage during a fight scene in a performance of Player Kings

Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to the hospital after a fall mid-performance.

During a production of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London, the 85-year-old actor lost his balance during a fight scene and fell off the stage.

The audience was evacuated from the theatre, but it is not yet clear if McKellen has sustained any injuries. 

The play tells the story of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, McKellen has played the role of John Falstaff since it opened on West End in April.

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He was in the middle of a fight scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy, when he fell from the front of the stage, crying out as the theatre lights came on and staff rushed to his aid.

Sandro, Trapani, a member of the audience who spoke to the BBC, described the moment as ”very shocking.”

“I really hope that he is going to be alright,” they said. “As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”

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McKellan is perhaps best known for his roles as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series, as well his Magento in the X-Men.

His other film and TV credits include Sherlock Holmes in Mr. Holmes, Roy Courtnay in The Good Liar, and Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code.

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He has previously performed on stage as Richard II, Coriolanus, King Lear, Macbeth, and Richard II.

He is also set to star as Hamlet in an upcoming film adaption.

McKellen has received a number of accolades, including a Tony Award six Olivier Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.

He has also recieved nominations for two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards and five Emmy Awards, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 for his services to theatre in the UK.

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