A BUDDING actress has spoken of her devastation at breaking her foot days before she was due to take a starring role.

Nicky Ashdown, who lives in Okus Road broke her foot five days before she was to perform in the Phoenix Players latest comedy production Par For The Course held at the Arts Centre.

The supply teaching assistant has been involved with the amateur dramatics society since 2000.

Nicky’s injury was so severe that she must rest for three months, or risk walking with a limp for the rest of her life.

“I can’t describe the devastation I felt when this happened. I felt like I had let everyone down,” Nicky said.

She was dancing with husband Phillip at a family party when she became aware of a searing pain in her foot.

“I felt something tear but there wasn’t any pain, I thought I had just ripped the sole of my ankle boots because there wasn’t any pain. I went and looked and there was nothing wrong. But then my foot went completely numb. I was terrified because I had never felt anything like that before.

“It is so ironic that I was doing a move that people do all the time at parties. It wasn’t a rave or anything, it was a 60th birthday party. I would never have done anything that would have jeopardised my appearance in the play.

“The irony of this, people say break a leg before you go on stage, and I’ve just done this. “

And Nicky said the emotional pain of having to pull out of her treasured role was equal to the pain of the injury.

“I’ve always thought I wanted to do something that would make people laugh, I think I have a gift for doing this. And my whole time with the Players I’ve been blessed with some really lovely roles but the role of Laura was something I was so looking forward to.”

Nicky was discharged from the trauma unit at the same time as the curtain went up on what would have been her first night.

“My daughter Callie said to me, Mummy you could still make it, which was lovely but really sad,” said Nicky.

Director Daphne Breakspear, from Wroughton remained cool under pressure, enlisting experienced “sight-reader” (where a script is used onstage to prompt lines), Ann E Despres to fill the role.

“I was so upset for Nicky and I knew she would never let us down intentionally. Luckily Ann was able to step into the role and she has done a sterling job. We know that Nicky will be back and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for her,” said Daphne

Nicky is now focused on her recovery and is looking forward to re-joining the players in a few months’ time.

“I have to remain positive and heal,” she said, “that’s the only way”.