Actor Who Collapsed On Yvonne Arnaud Stage Is Recovering

Published on: 8 Jun, 2012
Updated on: 8 Jun, 2012

Actor Sam Connel in character in the production of Close the Coalhouse Door

The actor Chris Connel fainted on the Yvonne Arnaud Stage last week during the Saturday performance of Close the Coalhouse Door.

The show was halted and director Samuel West – who happened to be in the audience – stepped in and played Chris’ part with script in hand during both the matinee and evening performances.

A theatre spokeswoman said: “It is likely Chris fainted due to a combination of pain and medication he was taking for an existing knee injury.”

Theatre company Northern Stage said that the actor did not fall from a ladder as some reports have suggested: “Chris does climb a ladder in the show, and had done so just prior to this incident. However, he was already back on the stage floor before he fainted.”

Sam Connel out of costume

Subsequent to the incident, Mr Connel has been seen by a doctor who has confirmed that he has damaged the ligaments around the knee; he is understood to be on medication and has been told to rest for a week. It is anticipated that Chris will be fit enough to return to the show this week in Durham.

The theatre company said: “We would like to sincerely thank the staff and audience at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for the considerate and sympathetic way in which they dealt with the situation and most especially to Samuel West, who in true theatre tradition, ensured that the show went on.”