By Alan Cleaver

Last updated 15:56, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

THE show must go on – even if one of your lead actors is rushed into hospital with appendicitis just days before the first night.

hospital drama: Dave Corrigan, who was taken seriously ill, is back in rehearsal with Rosehill Players

That’s what happened to Rosehill Players when Dave Corrigan was taken seriously ill a week before the curtains were due to rise on One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at Rosehill Theatre.

Dave, who plays Red Indian Chief Bromden, said: “I came down with stomach pains and had to be taken by ambulance to hospital. They kept me in for two nights and diagnosed appendicitis.

“They want to operate on me next month when the appendix is less inflamed so put me on pain killers.”

Dave’s determined to still appear in the show. As director Dave Simpson explained, replacing him would have been impossible.

“He plays the part of a huge guy so without him we’d have had to cancel the show. He was approached initially by a member of the group because of his size and he’s turned out to be an absolute star.”

Dave Corrigan said: “I was approached by someone in the street who said ‘I’ve got just the part for you’.

“He told me I just had to stand there and not say anything so it seemed okay – but it turns out I’ve got lots of lines!”

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is at Rosehill Theatre until Saturday. Tickets are £7, £6, from the theatre on 01946 692422.