Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen is expected to make a full recovery after a dramatic fall from the stage during a performance at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, Arab News reported. The incident occurred during a fight scene in the production of Player Kings, an adaptation of Henry IV, parts one and two. McKellen, 85, who was portraying John Falstaff, lost his footing and fell off the stage, startling the audience.

According to a spokesperson for the theatre, McKellen is in "good spirits" following a medical scan that confirmed he is expected to fully recover from the fall. "Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene," said an audience member, who witnessed the fall. "He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience."

The incident led to the immediate assistance of theatre staff and two doctors who were in attendance. The performance was halted, and the theater was evacuated as a precaution. That night's show was subsequently cancelled, as well as the performance scheduled for the next day, to allow McKellen time to rest and recover.