Theatre-goer: 'I didn't expect to be crushed by Gandalf the Grey'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 23 June 2024

The woman fallen onto by Sir Ian McKellen during a live stage play last week recalls her "shock" at the incident.

A woman fallen onto by acting great Sir Ian McKellen during a stage play last week has described going "into shock" as the incident unfolded.

The 85-year-old was performing in Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre on Monday night when he lost his footing in a scene and tumbled into the audience.

The woman who bore the brunt of his fall - known just as 'Joanna' - told BBC News that McKellen's head hit her knees "quite hard" and then he began screaming for help.

"Getting crushed by Gandalf the Grey, that's something you don't expect," she remarked, adding that she was then taken to A&E "in distress" before being given painkillers and undergoing scans to confirm that she had suffered no serious damage.

A spokesperson for the Noel Coward Theatre said: "As the theatre hosting the production, we are very sorry that this rare accident occurred during a performance of Player Kings.

"We maintain the highest standards of safety and are conducting a thorough investigation with the producers.

"We have been in regular contact with those involved to offer support and assistance from the moment it happened and will continue to do so. We wish Johanna and Sir Ian full and speedy recoveries."

Sir Ian is now recovering at home and hopes to return to the production when it goes on a nationwide tour next month.

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