IT threatened to be "Woe-men of the Guard" when members of a Bolton amateur dramatic company decided to stage a Gilbert and Sullivan classic next month.

Because when friends wished performers luck with the traditional theatre greeting "break a leg", the New Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society actors took it all a little too literally.

The group, which specialises in staging an annual production of a work by Gilbert and Sullivan, is set to produce the Yeoman of the Guard this year -- despite FIVE cast members suffering multiple injuries.

Between them, they have amassed one broken leg, one burned finger, two broken ribs, a new knee, a sprained ankle, a dislocated thumb and a mouth infection.

This is in addition to the outbreak of colds and coughs among the remainder of the cast.

However, members have valiantly refused to be affected by the series of disaster, and now promise that the show will go on as planned.

A spokesman said: "The walking wounded are now in the pink. We just have to keep our fingers crossed no one else gets injured or falls off the end of the pier!"

Derek Jackson, who plays Sergeant Meryll, was the first casualty. He had been scheduled for a knee replacement operation, which left him missing early rehearsals. His wife, Sally, the prompter, had been chauffeuring him around, before she fell down the stairs and broke her leg. In another incident she burned her finger.

Tom Leyland was the next victim. He plays the Lieutenant of the Tower and suffered two broken ribs in a skiing accident.

Tim Henshaw is due to perform as Jack Point. He sprained his ankle, then during rehearsals dislocated his thumb.

Stuart Gregory who plays Colonel Fairfax also struggled with a mouth infection.

Fortunately, all are now reporting for duty and expected to be fit for the group's production, which runs from March 5 to 9 at the Albert Halls, Bolton.

Tickets are available from Bolton 300666.