SIR Ian McKellen has been rushed to hospital this evening after falling off the stage during a live performance.
The acting legend is currently starring in Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London.
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The 85-year-old actor, who plays John Falstaff, reportedly lost his footing during a fight scene and fell.
The extent of Sir Ian‘s injuries are not currently clear.
The West End show was cancelled and the audience was evacuated from the premises.
It is understood the veteran stage and screen actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage.
The Lord Of The Rings star was heard crying out in pain as staff rushed to help.
Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, is adapted and directed by Robert Icke.
It is due to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July and will also be staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
“I really hope that he is going to be alright,” a member of the audience told the BBC.
“As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”
Audience member Paul Critchley said it was a “shock” to witness Sir Ian fall from the stage during the production.
Mr Critchley, a Methodist minister from Downham Market, Norfolk, said: “Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene.
“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.
“An announcement was made by theatre management that the show had been cancelled, that Sir Ian was receiving treatment and an ambulance had been called.
“It was a shock to witness his fall and I wish him a speedy recovery.
“My thoughts are also with his fellow cast members, stage crew and front of house team at the Noel Coward Theatre.”
Sir Ian’s representatives and the London Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.