THE first night of Calendar Girls The Musical was abandoned after the first half at the Bristol Hippodrome last night, after a member of the audience fell on a set of stairs leading to the upper circles.

It is understood the man suffered a suspected fractured hip in the fall, and after the theatre’s first aiders had examined him, an ambulance was called. When an hour had gone by and the man was still lying where he had fallen, unable to be moved, the management had to decide to cancel the second act, as it was then too late for the show to be completed.

The audience settled into their seats just after 9pm following the interval eagerly awaiting the second half, when the starry cast were due to reveal all as they appeared in the WIs first ever naked calendar, only for the curtain to remain down.

After a series of announcements explaining that there was a medical emergency, at just before 10pm they were told the show had been cancelled.

The Hippodrome later issued a statement, saying: “The Bristol Hippodrome has taken the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s performance of Calendar Girls The Musical after an audience member was taken ill during the interval. We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.

“We can confirm all patrons attending tonight’s show will be able to rebook to another date of their choosing. The Bristol Hippodrome’s box office will contact patrons directly to discuss.

“We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused by tonight’s cancellation.”

The show is due to run until July 20.