It’s a theatrical tradition to tell actors to break a leg before they go on stage.
But it seems Jude Fullerton, production manager of upcoming production Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr, took the advice a little seriously.
She fell off the stage during Sunday’s rehearsal and has undergone surgery this week on her foot after she broke it in three places – and dislocated it.
Despite the setback, she says the show, featuring a 95-strong cast aged from eight to 19, must go on: ‘There won’t be a problem as the parents have all been well versed on what needs to get done and we are on track with practice sessions with hair and make up.
‘I was only gutted that I hadn’t allowed for the accident in the rehearsal plan on Sunday! Rehearsals are now for refinement and really we are concentrating on getting everyone to come to the show.’
Jude explained that they were just about to start a run through at the South Douglas Old Friends’ Association on Finch Road when the accident happened.
‘I was standing on the little stage, was just getting off and tripped, lost my footing and my ankle just collapsed on me – it wasn’t a pretty sight,’ she said.
‘The ambulance and paramedics got there very quickly and were very good, explaining everything to me as we went along.’
On Monday, Jude, aged 53, had a three and a half hour operation to insert pins and a plate. She is now getting back on her feet with the aid of some crutches.
Jude , who is married with two children and lives in Port St Mary, said JT Productions decided to stage The Little Mermaid because ‘it’s a Disney classic – loved by most and never done on the Isle of Man before’.
She said: ‘There was also a lot of scope for doing our own interpretation and adding creativity to the costumes, sets, props and routines’
The principals are: Dandi Dancox and Laura Corkhill as Ariel; Isaac Murtagh as Prince Eric; Christian Cooper as Sebastian; Claudia Lewthwaite and Finn McGregor as Scuttle; Freddie Dancox, Millie Christian and Georgia Marsh as Flounder; Alex Walker and Molly Bowman as Flotsam and Jetsam.
Jude said: ‘The kids are just amazing. I am so proud of them, but the whole of the Isle of Man will be proud of them. It has been one creative exciting experience and we want everyone to come and see what we have been able to achieve as well as put some laughter and joy in sometimes a gloomy and depressing world.’
The Little Mermaid is JT Productions’ fourth children’s production. It sees James Turpin as producer, director David Dawson, musical director Claire Creer and choreographer Gary Chatel.
Jude said it gives youngsters a ‘whole theatre experience’, giving them the opportunity to develop some great life skills while having fun.
Performances take place at the Gaiety Theatre from Wednesday, November 4, to Saturday, November 7, at 2.30pm and 7pm. For tickets, call 600555, go to the Welcome Centre or visit www.villagaiety.com