Summary
When a pantomime actor fell ill before a performance at Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone, senior technician James Wood stepped in to play the role of Dame Sherie Trifle with just 45 minutes' notice. Despite having no rehearsal time, Wood performed all weekend shows and received positive feedback from audiences and theatre staff.
Key Facts
- A pantomime actor fell ill just before a show at Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone, Kent.
- James Wood, a senior technician, replaced the actor in the role of Dame Sherie Trifle with 45 minutes' notice.
- Wood had no rehearsal time but used the character's recipe book with lines and costumes.
- He has a performance degree but mainly worked as a light operator at the theatre.
- Wood performed the role during all the theatre's weekend performances.
- Audience members and the show's director praised Wood's performance.
- Other performers also stepped in to cover for absent cast members in different roles.
