Lee Reynolds, who plays the part of Luiz in Lewes Operatic Society's forthcoming production of The Gondoliers, fractured his right pin while playing tennis, just six weeks before the curtain rises on the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.

He's been rehearsing on crutches since the accident happened and is not sure whether his cast will be removed in time for opening night, on Wednesday, October 3.

Lee, 22, told the Express: 'Rehearsals have been quite difficult, especially as I'm supposed to be dancing in some of the choreographed numbers.

'But I'm determined to make it on to the Town Hall stage, with or without crutches.'

Lee's predicament has proved a headache for the show's director, Adam Rice, who has cleverly worked a hobbling Luiz into the storyline – just in case Lee's cast is still on when the curtain opens.

The Gondoliers is a fun-filled Gilbert and Sullivan romp, with a twisted plot that all comes right in the end.

LOS promises an evening packed with glad-to-be-alive upbeat tunes (including Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes), first-rate principal performances – with or without crutches – and an exuberant Lewes chorus.
The Gondoliers is at Lewes Town Hall from Wednesday October 3 to October 6.

Tickets, £7 to £9, are on sale at Lewes Travel Agency or on the door. Performances are at 7.30pm nightly with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. For information, visit www.lewesoperatic.co.uk or call 01273 480127.