TRAGEDY befell Burnham District Pantomime Society’s show last week - but as all thespians know, the show must go on!

Just one day before Dick Whittington’s first show at The Princess, principal girl Charlotte Bishop contracted a virus and was taken to hospital.

Although she is now on the mend, the society was in need of a new Alice Fitzwarren to take over as Dick’s true love.

Luckily, young Gabrielle Blair stepped up from the chorus line into the role, and has done a sterling job.

Chairman Mo Cooper said: “Charlotte was taken ill on the Wednesday, and we were opening for a special performance on the Thursday.

“We have never had an understudy part specifically allocated, but Gabrielle is the director’s daughter and had been to most rehearsals. She was the right person to take over.”

Despite the last minute change, feedback about Dick Whittington has been very positive Mo told the Weekly News that Charlotte is making a good recovery, but it is uncertain whether she will return to the stage before the show finishes.

She added: “Gabrielle has done a remarkably mature part and sings so sweetly.

“I’m just so pleased we had someone that could stand in at such short notice and do it so beautifully.”

There are only a few tickets left for the show, which ends on Saturday.

Tickets are £10, senior citizens £8 and children £6 from Paul Wynn at The Barber Shop on the high street, or by calling 01278-782723.