by: GAVIN BELL
Crawford insisted on going on stage at Her Majesty's Theatre in London for two performances of the Andrew Lloyd Webber show, in spite of protests from his doctors and agents. He was given a standing ovation.
After the second perfomance of the dya, he said: 'I am feeling pretty good but there is quite a bit of pain. Somebody had to do it. The show had to go on. I certainly hope to be back tomorrow. '
The backstage drama began on Tuesday when Crawford, aged 45, was taken to hospital for treatment for a hiatus hernia. He was expected to be out of the show for two weeks.
His understudy, Steve Barton, aged 30, then hurt a knee while rehearsing the star role. He endured the pain to give one performance, but was advised yesterday that he could suffer permanent damage.
Crawford immediately returned to the theatre. He was heavily sedated to diminish severe pain, and was attended throughout matinee and evening performances by two doctors in the wings.
Earlier his leading lady, Clare Moore, said Michael was 'better than ever. It was a bit of a surprise to see Michael back on stage with us because he was so poorly, but it wasn't a surprise because we know how good and dedicated he is.
Crawford had not previously missed a performance of the two-and-a-half-hour musical, which has been playing to packed houses since opening last October.