Break a leg? British tenor breaks both
NewsNicky Spence was looking forward to making his debut at Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden as Gregor in Janáček’s Makropulos Case next month, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
Fate, however, has put paid to his plans.
He tweets:
So sad not to make my debut @StaatsoperBLN as planned… I fell down the stairs at the airport en route & am now stuck in hospital awaiting surgery on both my legs!
I am lucky to have my new husband as Flo Nightingale though & I have time to do some teaching if you’d like a sesh?— (@nickythespence) January 6, 2022
Nicky was recently Siegmund in ENO’s The Valkyries and Laca at Covent Garden’s Jenufa.
Unbelievable, and an unfortunate accident to have happened on a flight of stairs.
I know 9 people this has happened to in the last few months – I wonder why?
Distraction/lack of attention:
It’s happened to me and probably to most of us — usually we get away without injury, but I’ve had to grab the handrail a few times.
With a mask on, it is often hard to see down the stairs. And if you’re wearing glasses it’s a total mess with, because they get all foggy.
Drink more milk and talk to a really good attorney. Still, it’s tough luck –but could have been worse. GOOd luck with the surgeries and rehab.
Oh, Nicky, I’m really sorry to hear about your accident. Falling down the stairs in the local Boots and fracturing my left ankle just before Christmas seemed bad enough, but breaking both legs is much worse. I do hope they’ll operate quickly and that the pain is bearable. Lots of love, Anne x
He’s scottish thanks
Makropulos seems to be a jinxed opera. I remember some years ago at the Met Opera a singer suffered a heart attack during a performance & died onstage in front of the audience. I don’t think that The Met has brought the opera back since that season.