ONE of the star performers of a Thurrock musical production who captured the hearts of her audience after carrying on despite sustaining a serious injury has spoken of the dram that befell yesterday's opening night.

Mary Bloss plays a lead role in 'Betty Blue Eyes' which opened at the Thameside Theatre in Grays last night (Thursday, 16 March).

As reported on Thurrock Nub News in a review of the show, she fell backstage midway through the first half and tore ligaments in her leg.

Bravely, strapped up and using crutches, she returned to the stage after a short interlude - and got through the whole performance.

Afterwards Mary spent five hours in hospital - but she is determined the show will go on and will be back on stage this evening - and for tomorrow's two shows.

She says: "It wasn't quite the opening night I anticipated … one minute I'm on stage singing 'Nobody' in all my sparkles and the next I've fallen on the stairs en route to a costume change, resulting in my ankle immediately swelling and not being able to walk on it!

Best boost forward - Mary's ankle support will make its stage debut tonight

"I was absolutely determined to keep the show going for the sake of our amazing cast and wonderful audience, so with the support and help of the amazing Sarah Drury and Thameside Theatre crew it was iced, wrapped and we were 'ready' to go!

"An extremely kind audience member offered her crutches for me to use on stage and without them I wouldn't have been able to go back on so thank-you,

"I don't know who you are but if you see this I am extremely grateful.

"Thank you Lucy Jones for coming backstage to assess the situation with your medical expertise and of course to my Will for sitting in the hospital with me for five hours afterwards.

"I am also just so damn proud of the amazing TOPS On Stage cast and crew of Betty Blue Eyes! Your performances last night was amazing. Even without the drama you gave it your all but your ability to adapt in the moment was just incredible!

"Turns out I've badly damaged my ankle ligaments so have to wear a shiny boot for the forseeable with the aid of crutches for now, but I'm still determined to carry on with the shows, I can only apologise that it won't quite be what has been rehearsed the past five months … so bear with me."