Sir Ian limps out of show after sprint for train

Sir Ian Mckellen has apologised to theatregoers after an injury forced him to miss a performance of King Lear.

The actor, 79, was due to star in a matinee of Shakespeare’s play at The Duke of York’s Theatre in London on Saturday, but hurt himself as he ran to catch a train.

Insteadhesatandchatted to the audience and “tried out a few new routines”.

He said on Twitter: “I hadn’t long been up before I set off for yesterday’s matinee of King Lear.

“At the underground station I galloped up 45 steps to catch the train above.

“Once on it, I skipped along the carriage and my left leg gave way. A strained calf muscle was diagnosed and was painfully pummelled back into life.

“With a walking stick, I managed the evening performance but not the afternoon one.”