An understudy was able to finish the performance
Taron Egerton has revealed that he collapsed on stage during the opening night of his new stage show alongside Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey.
During the opening night of Mike Bartlett’s COCK on Saturday March 5, which explores the rise of sexual fluidity, Egerton, 32, collapsed suddenly and was immediately given medical attention from a doctor in the audience. Understudy Joel Harper-Jackson was able to fill in for the Rocketman star in the final portion of the performance.
Marianne Elliott just appeared on stage confirming that Taron Egerton has been seen by a doctor and is absolutely fine but it's been decided he will not be finishing the show tonight.
However, the show is continuing in a couple of minutes with his understudy @JoelHarperJacks. pic.twitter.com/bSGYQDdCWf— All That Dazzles (@ATDazzles) March 5, 2022
Following the show, understudy Harper-Jackson tweeted: “Last night was an absolute privilege. Taron is a true gentleman, has been so supportive & most importantly he’s okay & will be back on Monday.”
On Saturday evening, the production released a statement about the incident, writing: “During this evening’s first preview of Mike Bartlett’s play COCK at the Ambassadors Theatre, Taron Egerton fainted towards the end of the performance.
“A doctor who was in the audience attended to Taron immediately after the incident, and whilst he felt fine, it was decided that Taron’s understudy, Joel Harper-Jackson would continue in the role to complete the performance.”
The compassion of Egerton’s co-star was also commended, largely through theatre blog All that Dazzles, where they wrote: “One thing I didn’t mention last night was the genuine concern on Jonathan Baileys face when Taron fainted.
“[Bailey] Ran over to him and was crouched over checking on him immediately. Says a lot about what kind of lovely person he is!”
Taking to Instagram to confirm his health, Egerton said he was “completely fine”, and he would be returning to Monday’s performance “with a vengeance.”
One thing I didn't mention last night was the genuine concern on Jonathan Baileys face when Taron fainted. Ran over to him and was crouched over checking on him immediately.
Says a lot about what kind of lovely person he is!— All That Dazzles (@ATDazzles) March 6, 2022
He explained: “As some of you may have heard, I passed out during the first performance of COCK last night.
“I am completely fine. Slightly sore neck and a bruised ego, but I’m fine.
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“I’ve decided to put a positive spin on it and I would appreciate it if anyone who was in the theatre last night just said that I gave such a committed, electrifying performance that my body couldn’t handle it and check out.
“That being said, apparently you’re meant to actually do the full show and not just three quarters of it. So I’ll be back with a vengeance tomorrow night.
“That you to the amazing team at the theatre and my wonderful cast mates for being so lovely.
“But mainly I wanted to say thanks to Joel Harper Jackson who stepped in to do the last bit of the play.
“Joel is an amazing actor and a lovely person. Thank you, Joel. T x.”
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