Sir Ian McKellen’s understudy shares insight into ‘stressful’ days after acting legend’s stage fall

Sir Ian McKellen personally contacted his understudy David Semark about taking on his role in Player Kings.

The 52-year-old actor is replacing the 85-year-old stage and screen legend after he fell from a West End stage and was hospitalised earlier this week, and Sir Ian phoned him to explain the situation.

‘The wonderful Sir Ian McKellen 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,’ he told PA.

‘We then had a discussion about the role. I have worked alongside him for months, so we get on, he’s a friend.’