RSC director steps in when actress falls ill

Drama of an unexpected kind occurred at the RSC’s The Other Place, during a performance of The Earthworks when the lead actress was taken ill ten minutes into the play.

The RSC press office told the Herald: “Ten minutes into last night’s performance of The Earthworks, Lena Kaur (who plays the role of Clare), was unwell and the show was halted. Erica Whyman, the production’s director, was watching the show, and a decision was made that she would go on with a script so the performance could continue.”

The Earthworks is a new play by Tom Morton-Smith and is part of the RSC’s Mischief Festival at the The Other Place, and is presented in a double bill with a second new play, Myth in which Lena also appears.

The press office explained: “Lena hadn’t sufficiently recovered to perform in Myth, so the performance was cancelled. The audience was informed they could obtain a full refund, or re-arrange to see the show at a future date. We fully expect both productions to go ahead as normal tonight.”

Posting on Facebook audience member Mark Ewart said: “The leading lady was struck with the mother of all migraines. The show was halted and after a few minutes, the director appeared and announced that due to the leading lady's sudden indisposition she would take her place.

“After a brief interlude, the play was re-started with the director in her place. Book in hand, she threw herself into the part with confidence!”

Mr Ewart concluded his post: “Hats off to the wonderful Erica Whyman. ‘The show must go on’ and it did. The standing ovation was well deserved.”