Veteran actor Ian McKellen is withdrawing from the U-K tour of his latest play, because he needs more time to recover after falling off the stage at a London theatre last month.

The 85-year old says his injuries “improve day by day”, but he’s had to accept the medical advice to protect his full recovery by not working.

The “Lord of the Rings” star spent three nights in hospital after tumbling from the stage during a performance of “Player Kings” in London.

Producers say McKellen’s understudy will assume the role for the national tour scheduled this month.