Sir Ian McKellen update released as star was rushed to hospital after falling off stage

A spokesperson for Sir Ian McKellen has released an update on the actor after he was rushed to hospital due to falling off stage.

McKellen, 85, was performing in a production of Player Kings at London's Noel Coward theatre last night (17 June) when he lost his footing during a fight scene and subsequently fell from the stage.

Following the incident, the audience was evacuated from the theatre and the performance was cancelled, as the Lord of the Rings actor was taken to hospital.

Tonight's performance has also been cancelled.

(Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for McKellen has since issued an update on the actor's condition via the theatre, reassuring fans that the actor will make a 'full recovery'.

"Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings," the statement read.

"Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.

"The production his made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.

"Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support."

It's expected that McKellen will return to the production for a matinee performance on Wednesday, 19 June.

(Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Wolseley Hospitality Group)

McKellen, best known for his role as Gandalf in the J.R.R Tolkein adaption and Magneto in X-Men, was playing the role of John Falstaff in the West End adaption of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts One and Two. The production was in the middle of a 12-week run which started in April.

Audience member Paul Critchley revealed to PA that McKellen appeared to 'trip' as he moved across the stage.

"Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene," he said.

"He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.

"The house lights came up very quickly as the stage management and front of house team dealt with the incident. We were evacuated immediately so that Sir Ian could be treated in privacy."

According to a report from the BBC, McKellen was performing in a fight scene with Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell from the front of the stage. He is said to have cried out in pain as theatre staff rushed to help him.