Oh no he can't!

HE's behind you . . . panto dame Fine Time Fontayne hands over the famous sweetie basket to fellow actor Simeon Truby

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OLDHAM Coliseum's much-loved pantomime dame will not be appearing in this year's performance ­- oh no he won't.

That is because Fine Time Fontayne, who was due to play Nanny Nutty in this year's Sleeping Beauty show, tripped on the floor of the theatre's rehearsal room on Monday.

Mr Fontayne (65) broke his ankle and was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital for surgery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Fontayne said: "Well, hey do say 'break a leg' in show business, but I didn't imagine a broken ankle this Christmas.

"I'm just not sure the stainless steel frame round my ankle to help it heal was quite what the Coliseum's hard-working wardrobe department had in mind for one of my costume changes this year.

Magical

"I know the pantomime, which has entertained generations of Oldham and North West families, will be a marvellous success with everyone at the Coliseum making it as magical as ever, and I'm looking forward to being part of it this year - but from a stalls' seat with my crutches.

"I'm passing the Pantomime Dame baton on to Simeon Truby, but I'll be back next year.

"Oh yes, I will!

"I'm recovering well, and I've been wonderfully looked after by the marvellous staff of NHS Royal Oldham Hospital. "

In the second week of rehearsals, the theatre's chief executive and artistic director Kevin Shaw had to re-draft the script and re-cast the role within 24 hours.

Mr Fontayne's role will now be played by Simeon Truby, another Coliseum pantomime veteran who appeared as Squire Grabbit in 2015's Mother Goose, and who was due to play King Cuthbert in this year's Sleeping Beauty original cast line-up.

Actor David Westbrook, last seen in the Coliseum's production of Our Gracie, will take the role of King Cuthbert.

Mr Truby said: "It's certainly a surprise to be rehearsing to play the role of King Cuthbert one day then Nanny Nutty the day after, but the fantastic cast and team at the Coliseum have really pulled together to make this work.

"It's always a privilege to be part of the pantomime fun at the Coliseum and I look forward to hearing what Fine Time thinks of my performance."

Kevin Shaw, director of Sleeping Beauty, added: "The old theatre adage 'the show must go on' certainly rings true at the Coliseum. Fine Time will be missed by everyone at the Coliseum, but we know we'll see him during the run and we all wish him a speedy recovery."

Sleeping Beauty runs at Oldham Coliseum Theatre from Saturday, November 12 until January 7, 2017.

Tickets can be booked on 0161 624 2829 or online at coliseum.org.uk.

For more information, visit coliseum.org.uk/plays/sleeping-beauty.