BREAKING: Theatre group says 'show must go on' after teen's jump from balcony

The shows were thrown into doubt after an 18-year-old fell 50 feet from an area of the theatre closed to the public at around 9.30pm yesterday.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with serious but not life threatening spinal injuries.

Police say the man jumped and did not fall, and said their investigation has now come to an end.

Phil Chapman, chair of the Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company, the firm behind the production, said: "This has obviously been a shocking and upsetting incident.

"Thankfully, we understand his injuries are not life-threatening, and our thoughts are with the young man and his family.

"After consulting both members of the production company and the theatre staff, together we have decided that the show will go on."

Grand Theatre chief executive Ruth Eastwood added: "This has been a very difficult situation for all concerned.

"The theatre is working with all the relevant authorities to investigate the matter with due diligence.

"Lots of hard work has gone into creating the show, and the company and the young man’s family have received numerous messages of support via social media.

"The theatre will offer any support we can."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We were called at 9.30pm last night to the report that a man, 18, had jumped from a balcony at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool during a show.

"As he landed, he caught the shoulder of a woman on the end of one of the rows, however, she was uninjured and did not require medical attention.

"The Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

"His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

"There is no further police involvement in this matter."

See tomorrow's Gazette for more.