Show goes on despite actor's injured knee

THE show must go on and last night it did despite RSC actor Mark Lockyer injuring his knee during the press night performance of The Alchemist at Stratford-upon-Avon's Swan Theatre.Playing the character Subtle who is indeed The Alchemist, Mark Lockyer damaged his knee on stage and the performance had to be halted for several minutes while he received treatment backstage.

A short while later the play resumed to considerable audience applause with Mr Lockyer taking centre stage once again to complete the performance.

An RSC spokesperson said: "Approximately 25 minutes into the second half of the RSC's press performance of The Alchemist in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon on 2nd June, the show was temporarily stopped for five minutes. Mark Lockyer, who plays the role of Subtle, was making a rehearsed exit from the stage when his knee gave way. With the assistance of RSC staff, Mark was taken backstage where an icepack was applied. After consultation with the stage manager, Mark made the decision that he felt well enough to continue with the performance. He will see a GP today (Friday 3rd June) and we will follow the medical advice given. We do not anticipate Mark will miss any performances from the production."

The Alchemist, directed by Polly Findlay, runs in repertoire in the Swan Theatre until 6th August. It will then run at the Barbican Theatre between 2nd September to 1st October.