Marlowe Theatre panto star Dr Ranj leapt into action to treat a motorcycle stunt rider after her death-defying act went wrong during the show.

There were gasps of horror on Saturday afternoon when she crashed while performing a daring, high-speed globe-riding act during Mother Goose on stage in Canterbury.

As the curtain quickly came down due to the emergency, Dr Ranj, who is playing Charlie Goose, quickly called on his first aid skills until paramedics arrived.

Show producer and director Paul Hendy praised the former A&E doctor's prompt reaction, saying: "He was brilliant in the situation."

The rider, Drueicy Madorf was taken to hospital, accompanied by her father, Johnny, who also took a tumble. But neither suffered serious injuries and both are expected to resume their stunt, which involves three riders.

In their act, Druicey takes to the metal dome as a stunt double dressed as Mother Goose, played by panto lead Ben Roddy.

Audience members who watched the incident have been commenting on the story on KentOnline's Facebook page.

Deb Fougere said: "It was an incredible stunt to watch and awful to see her fall. The Marlowe handled it with total professionalism.Wishing the young lady a speedy recovery."

Ian Luddington added: "We were there and the only option was to cancel the rest of the performance. Good to hear the rider is OK.

"I am sure if they could have carried on they would have but accidents happen and the health of the rider must come first."

Dru, who is now out of hospital, described the incident as "just one of those things".

"I’m feeling so much better already and can’t wait to get back on my bike," she said.

"I’ve been riding motorbikes since I was seven, so I’m used to occasionally coming off.

"My only real injuries are some bruises and a chipped fingernail. Thank goodness Dr Ranj was right there to help me and I’ll be back in the globe very soon."

Mother Goose is co-produced by the Canterbury theatre and Evolution Productions.

In a joint statement, they said: “The Globe of Speed – a large, metal cage which three motorcyclists ride around - is one of the most exciting and spectacular things that we have presented at The Marlowe.

"Not surprisingly, it’s been receiving a wonderful reaction from the audiences of Mother Goose. Dru, Johnny and Thiago Marques Ribeiro are some of the best stunt riders in the world and we’re honoured to have them in our cast.

“But even trained professionals can have accidents. The most important thing is that Dru has no significant injuries and is raring to get back on her bike.

"We’re so grateful to the local paramedics who came out, and of course, to our very own Dr Ranj, who supported and attended Dru even though he was wearing a glittery pantomime costume. Our thanks also go to the team at the William Harvey.”

Everyone watching the show has been offered tickets to another performance of Mother Goose, which runs until Sunday 12 January.

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