Opera singers from Leeds have been taking the encouraging words ‘break a leg’ a little too literally.
Two members of the Leeds Amateur Operatic Society were injured on the first day of performances of Guys and Dolls on Saturday.
Chorus member Ian Page ruptured his Achilles tendon on stage during the show at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
And on his way home from the performance, chorus member Jonny Lindsay, 20, slipped off a kerb and fractured his elbow.
As they say, the show must go on and an emergency rehearsal was held at the city centre venue on Monday night to re-choreograph several key dance numbers.
Jonny, a student at Leeds College of Music, is still determined to be in the production and will perform with his arm in a sling.
He said: “It is my first ever production with the society.
“I love doing it and really enjoy it.
“I couldn’t face not being in the show. It would break my heart.
“I have had to tone the dancing down a lot but I am just very relieved to still have a part.”
Despite snapping his achilles tendon mid-way through a dance number, Ian, 44, managed to complete the routine before staggering off stage.
He said: “I thought somebody had kicked me.
“Then I realised I couldn’t put my foot down properly but managed to carry on.
“I think it was pure adrenalin that kept me going but as soon as I got off stage I knew it was serious.”
Ian is hoping to perform in the later shows this week but is waiting to hear if he will need surgery.
David Payne, publicity officer and committee member, said: “It’s not ideal when the show is only on for a week and when they have been rehearsing for three or four months.”
Guys and Dolls runs until Saturday, September 29.
Tickets which start at £18, are available by calling the box office on 0113 213 7700 or by visiting www.wyp.org.uk.
For more about the society, visit: www.thelaos.com
Comments