THE OLD theatre good-luck wish of ‘break a leg’ came worryingly close to reality on Thursday when the RSC had to halt a production after its lead actor collapsed on stage in agony.
The Alchemist, playing in front of a full house including much of the nation’s arts press, was midway through its second half when actor Mark Lockyer fell to the stage after wrenching his knee.
It was left to co-star Ken Nwosu to summon help from the wings and let the audience know there would have to be a short break as the stricken actor was helped from the stage.
While treatment was given off stage RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran appeared to announce the show would go on, before Mr Lockyer gamely reappeared aided by a walking stick.
