SIMON Ward has pulled out of a play at Salisbury Playhouse after one performance when he did what actors are traditionally told to do for luck - break a leg.
He slipped and fell outside his home after the preview performance. The actor, whose career includes playing Churchill in the film Young Winston, was playing the lead in Alan Bennett's Getting On.
He had played the role of fictional Labour MP George Oliver for three weeks at the Chester Gateway Theatre. The play is a co-production between the two theatres.
Performances on Friday, October 27 - the Playhouse's official first night - and on Saturday were cancelled.
Nicholas Lumley agreed on Friday to take on the role when it became obvious that Simon Ward would not be able to return to the production.
Nick Lumley is a familiar face at the Playhouse, appearing in productions including The Winter's Tale, The Cherry Orchard and Racing Demon.
"We are very lucky that Nick is willing to step into the breach," said Rebecca Morland, the Playhouse's executive director.
She said the staff were sorry for Simon Ward and their thoughts are with him.
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