Gently Does It as Shaw Collapses On Stage???

Stage and television actor Martin Shaw left theatregoers shocked yesterday (18 August 2010) when he collapsed during a matinee performance of The Country Girl at the Severn Theatre in Shrewsbury. The 65-year-old actor, who is best know for playing the title role in the Inspector George Gently series for the BBC, was reportedly helped off the stage by members of St John’s Ambulance. Shaw is thought to have been suffering from cracked ribs and a severe chest infection for some time, but was determined to continue his role in the production. Speaking to The Sun his agent, Robert Charteris has said that he “probably shouldn’t have been on stage but didn’t want to disappoint his fans”. Shaw, who first came to prominence in TV show The Professionals, was well enough to walk out of the theatre, although he was taken to hospital where he spent the night. The matinee performance was resumed with Shaw’s understudy on stage in his place. Shaw is thought to be recovering well and hopes to resume his role on Friday.