British Actor Ian McKellen Recovering after Falling off London Stage

Actor Ian McKellen attends a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Peter Hall at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, September 11, 2018. (Reuters)
Actor Ian McKellen attends a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Peter Hall at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, September 11, 2018. (Reuters)
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British Actor Ian McKellen Recovering after Falling off London Stage

Actor Ian McKellen attends a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Peter Hall at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, September 11, 2018. (Reuters)
Actor Ian McKellen attends a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Peter Hall at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, September 11, 2018. (Reuters)

British actor Ian McKellen, 85, fell off a London stage mid-performance and is now recovering after being taken to hospital, a theatre spokesman told the BBC on Tuesday.

McKellen is starring as John Falstaff in "Player Kings", a production of William Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Parts One and Two", in the capital's West End theatre district.

In a fight scene during Monday evening's performance, McKellen lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage, crying out as staff rushed to help, the BBC reported.

The show was cancelled and he was taken to hospital. He is in "good spirits" and expected to "make a speedy and full recovery" and will be back on stage on Wednesday, the theater spokesman said.

McKellen is best known for playing Gandalf in the film versions of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" and was also Magneto in the "X-Men" movies.

His stage career stretches back to 1961, where his credits include playing Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth.



Saudi Film Commission Participates in South Korea’s Busan Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo
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Saudi Film Commission Participates in South Korea’s Busan Film Festival

The Saudi Film Commission logo
The Saudi Film Commission logo

The Saudi Film Commission announced its participation in the prestigious Busan International Film Festival 2024, taking place from October 2-11 in Busan, South Korea.

As one of Asia's most prominent film festivals and a key global film market, the festival showcases a variety of narrative and documentary films. The festival is also known for discovering and promoting emerging talents from Asia.

The Film Commission’s participation aims to foster stronger cultural and cinematic ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea while promoting creative collaboration. It will highlight Saudi Arabia as a prime location for film production, showcase the commission’s diverse programs, promote Saudi talents and films, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge in the global film industry.

The Film Commission will host a dedicated pavilion at the festival on October 5-8 featuring a Saudi delegation of partners from the Kingdom’s film sector. The presence will serve to build sustainable relationships with South Korean film industry leaders and facilitate collaboration in film production and distribution. Furthermore, the pavilion will act as a networking hub, enabling the commission to strengthen connections with international film industry experts attending the festival.

Through its participation in the Busan International Film Festival 2024, the Film Commission seeks to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global cinematic landscape, position the Kingdom as an attractive destination for film production, and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to participating in major international film events. By establishing strategic partnerships with global entities, the commission continues to enhance Saudi Arabia’s stature in the world of film.