A PACKED audience froze in shock as a dancer fell off stage and landed in the orchestra pit during the opening night of musical Guys and Dolls.

Theatre fans got more drama than they bargained for when Fraser Russell lost his footing during the first live performance of the show at the Palace Theatre, in London Road, Westcliff.

The curtain was promptly closed as worried cast members stopped midway through the Cuban dance scene.

Mr Russell, of Bedford Road, Laindon, was rushed to Southend Hospital with a fractured shoulder.

Echo theatre reviewer Tom King witnessed the fall at close hand.

He said: “It happened very quickly. The dancer was in the middle of his routine, and he had clearly moved just a bit too far downstage. He toppled backward, hitting the double bass, before disappearing from view.

“By happy chance, there was an ambulance parked up outside the theatre, so they were able to get the victim out and away pretty quickly.

“He was clearly conscious but in pain as they wheeled him out. The scene was rather bizarre, since he was escorted by a group of guys dressed and made up as 1940s New York gangsters.”

The show, being put on by the Basildon Operatic Society, resumed just seven minutes later.

Talking about the accident, lead dancer Mr Russell said: “It was such a careless thing to happen. I was dancing freestyle for 20 or 30 seconds and I just fell backwards. I practised the dance many times in rehearsal and nothing like that ever happened. I just did the same thing on the stage but it didn’t work this time.”

Mr Russell was taken to Southend Hospital shortly after 8.40pm on Wednesday.

He added: “The paramedics were very thorough, they looked after me well.

"One dancer kindly came with me to the hospital, giving up the second half.

“It was a little disappointing because I couldn’t finish the show but everyone was very practical. The cast helped me and then carried on with the show.”

Fred Woodrow, chairman of the amateur theatre company, also witnesses the accident.

He said: “He just did one twirl too many. It could have been far worse so Fraser was lucky. His foot got caught on some lights.

“The audience and cast reacted fantastically. The audience clapped for him in support.

“The manager handled the whole situation exceptionally well. She kept everyone calm. I have nothing but praise for the whole theatre.

“The saying goes ‘break a leg’, not break a shoulder- but it’s a great twist.”

Long term member Elaine Books added: “As far as I am aware, nothing like this has ever happened before in the 86 year history of the society.”

The Echo contacted the Palace Theatre but noone was available for comment.

The show will go on with the production of Guys and Dolls on stage until Saturday, May 28.

To purchase tickets, visit southendtheatres.org.uk