Show goes on as postie saves the play

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A postman saved the day when an actor in a pantomime was injured in a motorbike crash on his way to the show.

Instead of starring in the opening night in the Friends of St Gabriel's School production of Dick Whittington Daniel spent the night in hospital after coming off his scooter.

But into the breach stepped local postie and stage manager Tommy Ingham, who performed the role of Alderman Fitzwarren with such aplomb the audience which included MP Jim Dobbin were unaware of the the last minute switch.

Pantomime director Billy Sheerin said: "It was the worst scenario.

"The cast became demoralised and concerned and there was little or no time to cover the part.

"The obvious person to fill in is the director, because he knows the script and the moves the character has to make, but an added complication was that the director had lost his voice due to a heavy cold.

"It needed a hero to save the day and the stage manager, Tommy Ingham, our local postman, stepped into the breach.

"With script in hand Tommy covered for the part with great aplomb while, at the same time, doing the stage manager's duty. The first night audience, which included the mayor and mayoress and MP Jim Dobbin hardly noted the problem due to Tommy's professionalism and the cast surrounding him."

Daniel was not seriously injured in the crash and was able to perform on the second night at the Castleton Primary School with a walking stick and heavily bandaged arm.

Mr Sheerin added: "The show was a great success confirmed by the applause at the finale.

"Once again the old adage 'the show must go on' was proved to be right once again due to the endeavour and commitment of the Friends of St Gabriel's School."