Horne collapses during Sloane performance

First Published 2 April 2009, Last Updated 3 April 2009

Update 3 Apr 14:30: Mathew Horne, star of hit TV comedy Gavin And Stacey, collapsed during yesterday’s matinee performance of Entertaining Mr Sloane at the Trafalgar Studio 1. He was later diagnosed with a virus and will not return to the show today.

Horne fell to the floor mid-scene during the afternoon performance, where he remained while cast members appealed for help from any medical staff in the audience. When paramedics arrived, the Lesbian Vampire Killers star was treated where he lay until the audience was asked to leave.

It later emerged that Staunton was also feeling unwell during the matinee performance and was also unable to perform yesterday evening. A spokesperson for the show confirmed that both actors were seen by doctors and told they have a virus.

Neither Horne nor Staunton will perform in Joe Orton’s dark comedy tonight. Their roles will be played by Fergus March and Sharon Eckman. A decision regarding further performances will be made tomorrow morning.

Members of the audience during the disrupted Thursday matinee performance are being offered ticket exchanges for evening performances on 6 to 8 April and the matinee performance on 9 April. For more information contact the theatre 0870 060 6632.

Horne shot to fame in BBC sitcom Gavin And Stacey, but also appeared in comedies including The Catherine Tate Show and Roman’s Empire. More recently he has been seen opposite Gavin And Stacey writer and co-star James Corden in both TV sketch show Horne & Corden and comic horror movie Lesbian Vampire Killers. Entertaining Mr Sloane marks his West End debut.

MA

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