Ian McKellen recently shared the harrowing tale of his stage fall while portraying the character of Player Kings. Remarkably, he credited the fat suit he was wearing for his role as Falstaff for potentially saving him from more severe injuries. In an interview with Saga magazine, McKellen expressed gratitude for the protective gear, stating, “I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints. So I’ve had a lucky escape really…”
The mishap occurred during a battle scene on stage. McKellen described how his foot became entangled in a chair, leading to a series of unfortunate events. He recounted, “Trying to shake it off, I started to slide on some newspaper that was scattered over the stage, like I was on a skateboard.” With each attempt to free himself, the situation escalated, causing him to slide down onto the forestage and eventually into the lap of an audience member in the front row. The actor admitted to calling out for help in the midst of the chaos, expressing both distress and disbelief at the unfolding events.
Despite managing to avoid losing consciousness, McKellen was deeply affected by the incident. He acknowledged the impact it had on the production, as his understudy had to step in to continue the play. Expressing a sense of shame and disappointment, he lamented, “I feel such shame. I was hoping to be able to rejoin the play on the tour, but I couldn’t.” The actor’s emotional response reveals the weight of responsibility he feels towards his craft and the impact of his absence on the production.
As McKellen continues to recuperate from his injuries, he remains optimistic about his healing journey. Despite the challenges he faces, including wearing a neck brace and dealing with a chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist, the actor maintains a resilient spirit. He admitted, “My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended,” indicating that his path to full recovery is still ongoing.
Ian McKellen’s recounting of his stage mishap demonstrates the unpredictability of live performances and the inherent risks involved in theatrical productions. With a mix of gratitude for his luck and a sense of regret for the disruption caused, McKellen’s experience serves as a reminder of the fragility of the performing arts and the resilience required to overcome setbacks in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
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