Actors are traditionally told to “break a leg” when preparing to take to the stage, and the Rainham Theatrical Society has come close to taking it seriously.

Rehearsals for their annual panto, Dick Whittington, have been marred by various ailments.

Leigh Redding, playing Tommy the Cat, has been suffering from flu and spent two weeks in bed, meanwhile Kathy West, who plays Queen Rat, lost her voice and director Helen Caston was struck with a sickness bug.

One chorus member, Beryl Lacey has suffered a bad eye infection and another, Betty Merton has broken her pelvis.

But as they say in showbiz, the show must go on and, despite the setbacks, the cast has enjoyed a successful first weekend performing to audiences at the Oasthouse Theatre in Rainham.

Dean Caston, a member of the society for 40 years, said: “We opened on Friday night and only the one person was missing through illness.

“It’s been difficult but a lot of people have been stepping in and covering.”

The show is on every Friday and Saturday until February 4. Call 0844 8793224 or visit oasthousetheatre.co.uk to book.