Theatre manager takes to the stage after cast illness

Like every half term, St Helens Theatre Royal is delighting audiences with its latest pantomime – which this time is The Wizard of Oz.

Brought to the stage by Regal Entertainments – the show producer and theatre manager Chantelle Nolan decided not to let theatregoers down after Abigail Middleton who plays The Wicked Witch of the West fell ill, and so did her understudy.

Instead, she donned the iconic costume herself as she had dreamt up the production and knew the role and the ones.

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She is doing the same today as both star and understudy have not recovered, and she will be performing in the matinee and evening performances.

Talking to the Star, Chantelle said: “That’s showbiz isn’t it, no matter what the show must go on and when Abi was ill we kept checking on her and at 4pm – an hour before showtime – she said she couldn’t manage as she has a kidney infection.

“Her understudy is ill as well so the options were to cancel the show or find someone else who knew the role well and since I produced the show the only person who could, was me!

“I’ve joked with my family saying the role of The Wicked Witch of the West comes naturally, but I didn’t do the dance number last night. I will however try to muddle through today though.

“I just couldn’t let kids down and parents who have bought tickets to have a good time with their little ones over half term.

“I did naively think it was just last night though and went to bed thinking ‘Well that was different’, but they both aren’t well today either, so I’ll be getting back on the stage.

“But like they say, the show truly must go on and I’ll see everyone today. Hopefully, I pull it off ok.”

Chantelle with the rest of the cast celebrating making it through yesterday's show....but she is taking to the stage again today (Image: Chantelle Nolan)

For more information on the show, go to sthelenstheatreroyal.com