UK - An injury to a cast member during a performance of Lord of the Rings at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, led to preview performances being temporarily suspended late last week. It was reported on the BBC News website that one of the actors caught his leg in the moving stage during an early scene. The set includes a large hydraulic stage which can revolve, and be raised or lowered in sections.

Audience member Tori Lowe was quoted by the BBC as saying: "The hobbits were on stage and had a group of dancers dressed as rangers with them. There was suddenly a lot of screaming, but at first we thought it might be part of the show. But a stagehand came runnning on, and when the music stopped we could hear someone shouting 'My leg! My leg!'."

In a statement, the producers said they were "looking at modifying the staging" so previews could resume. The £8m musical is due to open on 19 June.

(Lee Baldock)


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