Den Perry (Ted Robbins) collapses on stage during Phoenix Nights Live

BoysInBlue · January 31, 2015

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31079019

A performance of comedy Phoenix Nights Live has been cancelled after performer Ted Robbins collapsed on stage.

Audience members at the Manchester Arena said Robbins fell to the floor during the opening night of the show.

The curtain was lowered and everyone was asked to leave the 20,000-capacity venue.

Robbins plays Den Perry in the show, based on the Peter Kay TV series of the same name.

'Stunned silence'
BBC journalist Ian Shoesmith was in the third row of the arena when Robbins collapsed shortly after the beginning of the second act.

He said: "Everyone initially thought it was part of the act, but then my wife said: 'No, this is real, this is serious.'

"They brought the curtain down and then someone said everyone had to leave the building as there was an emergency going on. There was just a stunned silence."

Members of Robbins' family were at the arena for the show, including his sister, actress Kate Robbins.

She tweeted: "My brother Ted was taken ill on stage. He's been taken to a local hospital.

"Thank you for all your good wishes and concern. He's a fighter."

North West Ambulance Service said they were called to the Manchester Arena at 21:46 to a male who had collapsed and that he was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Saturday night's performance was the first of 15 shows which saw the original cast of the programme reunited for the first time since 2000.

Profits from the event are going to Comic Relief.

Kurt. · February 1, 2015

I hope they get their money back x

Coach · February 1, 2015

He was great in The Slammer.

COYBL25 · February 1, 2015

BoysInBlue said:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31079019

He does look like someone who lives life to the max !

COYBL25 · February 1, 2015

Coach said:
He was great in The Slammer.

Guilty pleasure watching it with the kids, some very subtle adult humour in there and also encourages kids to humiliate the weak !

markmarkmark · February 1, 2015

I was there. Everyone sat laughing when he hit the deck then the atmosphere went really strange as everyone realised it can't have been part of the act. His breathing before he went down was horrible, all I've got in my head is the image of Ted's knees buckling and him hitting the floor.

Glad to hear that he's sitting up in hospital and talking, apparently the show is continuing for the next 12 or so shows that remain. I'm not sure if there will be another show to replace the first one though.