Ian McKellen is doing "very, very well" following a fall from a West End stage on Monday, according to his understudy.
It was announced on Thursday that McKellen would not be performing again in London while he has physiotherapy and recuperates. Understudy David Semark, 52, is taking his place as Falstaff.
Following his performance on Thursday evening, Semark told the PA news agency that McKellen had called him to let him know he would be playing the role.
Semark said: "The wonderful Sir Ian McKelle called me to tell me what was going on, which was amazing, and [he] has been incredibly supportive throughout the rehearsals.
"The first person I heard it from was Sir Ian.
"We then had a discussion about the role. I have worked alongside him for months, so we get on, he's a friend."
He continued: "Obviously my first thought is for my friend, and the wonderful human being that is Sir Ian McKellen. He called me to tell me what was going on, which was amazing, and has been incredibly supportive throughout the rehearsals.
"I definitely couldn’t have had the courage to go on there tonight if I didn’t feel that he was behind me with me.
"But I am holding a place open for Sir Ian. I walk in the shadow of greatness….
"I’ve stolen 90% of what he does in that show shamelessly and tried to make it my own.
"It’s been an incredibly stressful couple of days."
Asked how McKellen was doing following the fall, Semark replied: "He’s doing very very well."
Disappointed' theatre fans send well wishes to Ian McKellen
Theatregoers have spoken of their disappointment and sent their good wishes to McKellen as he recuperates following his West End stage fall.
Rania Margaronis, 56, flew for four hours from Greece specifically to see McKellen perform.
She said: "It was shocking really because knowing someone so professional and so talented and at his age, it’s really scary.
"I wish him all the best. I’m a great fan, I came all the way from Greece to see him and I was really disappointed. We love him and we’re very proud to have him."
Wendy Geri, 84, travelled from Israel to see him perform, and booked a front row ticket as soon as she saw the play advertised. She said she was "devastated" at the news that McKellen would not perform, describing it as a "big disappointment".
She said: "It’s a very big disappointment. I’ve watched him on YouTube, I’ve watched him in conversations. I’m a student of what he’s done. And he slipped up. I’m devastated."
Sophie Starnes, 34, a teacher who flew from California, said at the news McKellen would not perform: "We were slightly disappointed, but obviously his health has to come first. And I’m sure it’s still going to be a wonderful performance.
"We really hope he gets well soon and he’s back on stage as soon as possible. It’s still going to be a fantastic performance."
Corin Doregger, 61, a retired teacher, flew from Vienna to see the acclaimed actor.
She said: "I’m a bit disappointed because I booked tickets last year, and flew over from Vienna specially. When I heard he’d had a fall, I thought 'that’s it’."
She said her message to the actor is: "Get better soon and I’m sorry to have missed you."
She said: ‘"I tried to see him in Keswick some years ago and didn’t get to because it was a ballot, so this was my only chance. But we really need to cheer on the guy who’s the understudy. It’s really hard being an understudy."
