Jason Manford’s panto show halted for medical emergency as Waterloo Road star pays tribute
JASON Manford has expressed his gratitude to the staff at Manchester Opera House following a medical emergency that brought a performance of Cinderella to a standstill.
The incident occurred on Saturday night (December 21), when an audience member fell unwell.
Ambulances were seen outside the Quay Street theatre as paramedics attended to the situation.
Jason, who stars as Prince Charming in the festive production, later took to X to commend the swift actions of the Opera House team.
The soap star wrote: “She was a difficult night with the medical emergency but front of house staff & paramedics dealt with it so well.
“Thoughts are with the poorly person, hope you’re on the mend.
“Thanks to great crowd for sticking with us after 45 minutes of silence!”
Audience members also praised the cast and crew for their resilience.
One attendee wrote: “Was a scary moment for sure but dealt with as quickly as possibly, I hope the staff who dealt with it are ok too.”
Another added: “Was still a fab evening. The cast did a great job of getting everyone back in the flow which to be honest, I didn’t think would happen and wondered if we should leave.
“Best wishes to the poorly lady and her family.”
A third shared: “The show was class and we all just hope whoever the emergency was for is ok.”
This was Jason’s third time performing in the panto, and while advertising tickets to the show on Facebook he said it would be his last.
The soap star left Waterloo Road in December after his character Steve Savage was arrested.
BBC bosses have already confirmed that he will be replaced by EastEnders actress Lindsey Coulson, who is taking over as the next headteacher of the Comprehensive School.