YEOVIL NEWS: Man taken to hospital after collapsing at panto show

THE Castaway Theatre Group has sent out a big GET WELL SOON message after a man collapsed near the end of its final pantomime show and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

The Yeovil-based Castaways were coming to the finale of Snow White on Saturday (January 28, 2017) night when Brian Saunders, 86, a well-known veteran of the local amateur dramatic and operatic scene, passed out in the staged seating area at the drama theatre at Westfield Academy.

Brian was part of the team which was filming the pantomime for the Castaways’ official DVD of the show when he collapsed among the audience.

Members of the audience near to him sprang into action to offer assistance and although the panto continued for a few seconds, it was not long before Castaways’ founder Lynn Lee Brown announced that the show would be halted while the medical incident unfolded.

While people near to Brian made sure he was alright, an ambulance was called for and the auditorium was cleared with audience members having to wait in the school corridors outside.

About half-an-hour went by before the audience was allowed to return to their seats where Castaways performed one more scene and full cast song before bringing the panto to an impromptu early finish due to timings and because of what had happened to Brian.

Lynn said: “Brian wanted us to continue, but we felt it only right and proper that we brought the pantomime to a close earlier than intended.

“Our cast was mainly children and some of them were a bit upset about what had been going on, but they were fantastic.

“I’ve known Brian many years and he is a dear friend and everyone sends their love and warm wishes to him on making a full and speedy recovery.”

The Castaways returned to continue the panto which had been halted just as Snow White, played by Izzy MacGregor, had eaten the poisoned apple and the cast gathered around her body to sing the hit record Run recorded by Snow Patrol and Leona Lewis.

Lynn added: “I’d like to thank all the Castaways for the wonderful professionalism they showed in what were difficult circumstances. The Run song they came back to sing was emotional in any case, but considering what had happened to Brian it became even more emotional.

“I would also like to thank those people who were near Brian for their help when he collapsed and the audience as a whole for their understanding and patience and the fact that they gave us a standing ovation at the end was a very proud moment for all of us.”

Among the audience were the Mayor and Mayoress of Yeovil, Cllr Darren Shutler and his wife Anna, who had gone to support Castaways.

“I was very impressed with how Castaways coped with the situation and I hope that Mr Saunders makes a full recovery,” said the Mayor.

Lynn said on Sunday (January 28, 2017) that she had been told by a family member that Brian was in hospital undergoing tests and that he was “so upset” to hear that Castaways had cut short their performance because of what happened.

It had already been a traumatic day for the Castaways as their matinee show suffered a minor disturbance – which did not affect the actual performance – when a group of mindless youths caused problems in the “front of house” area.

More photos from the Snow White show will be published on this website soon.

PHOTOS: Taken during the Snow White production after it re-started following the medical incident involving Brian Saunders.

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