One of the stars of the Grand Opera House panto has said he feels fine, despite testing positive for Covid-19.
Martin Barrass was playing Dunkin Donut in Dick Turpin Rides Again. But both he and legendary dame Berwick Kaler are out of the show after testing positive for Covid.
Two other experienced panto actors have taken their roles. While Martin is ruled out for the rest of the run, there is a chance that Berwick could return for the final performances on Sunday.
“I’m gutted – not just for me, but for the fans,” Martin told David Dunning on YorkMix Radio.
“I keep looking at the clock in the kitchen to see whereabouts we would be in the performance. I suppose it’s the actor in me, where you’re thinking the first place I want to be is on stage with the audience.
“But I’m perfectly well – as right as rain. I’m absolutely fine.”
He thanked people for the many good wishes he and Berwick received since the news became public.
Martin has performed in the panto for 37 years, mostly at the York Theatre Royal but the show transferred to the Grand Opera House for the first time this Christmas.
“The welcome we’ve received in the Grand Opera House has been absolutely phenomenal. It’s just it’s been an absolute joy to perform there,” he said.
After his premature exit, he has his “fingers crossed” that the panto will return there next year.
“It’s sad. But next year, I guarantee will be bigger and brighter than ever before.”