Warlow injured, racing clock to be ready for opening

Not quite the Company debacle, but shortened version of Doctor Zhivago takes to the stage after Anthony Warlow was injured.

There is drama behind the scenes at Doctor Zhivago after Anthony Warlow was injured just hours before Friday’s first preview performance of the show.

The injury means Warlow is yet to take to the stage in the lead role of the new musical, which officially opens on Saturday.

It is understood that Warlow tore a calf muscle in an accident just before Friday’s performance.

But more drama was to come, with producer John Frost forced to take to the stage prior to the performance on Friday to tell the audience about the injury, before a cut-down version of the show was performed.

It is understood all patrons were offered refunds.

Warlow’s understudy, Anton Berezin, was yet to learn much of the technical side of the show, it is understood, and hence could not go on.

Berezin eventually went on stage on Saturday to fill Warlow’s shoes.

Warlow being out of action means big dramas for the show, as his name is one of the big reasons ticket sales have been so strong.

In scenes similar to that of a footballer racing to be ready for a big game, Warlow is now undergoing treatment in the hope he’ll be ready for Saturday.

Patrons in the audience on Friday night took to Twitter to vent their frustration.

“Shame Dr Zhivago cancelled due to Anthony Warlow injury. Now watching epic Dr Zhivago movie. Will rebook musical tickets tomorrow,” one said.