Drama of injury is ever present in acting roles

MORE than three quarters of the stars of stage and screen claim to have suffered for their art, according to a new survey.

Big screen stars Colin Farrell, filming Alexander, and Brad Pitt, in Troy, have both become high-profile victims of movie accidents. And X-Men star Brian Cox admitted shooting a man’s nose off on stage when a trick shot went wrong.

But action heroes appear to have it easy when it comes to coping with the rough and tumble of stunt work, according to the survey, which claims the most dangerous place for actors is a theatre stage.

The nightly toll can lead to repetitive strain injuries, damaged joints and even head injuries.

Equity’s 2000 members in Scotland were among those actors in television, film and theatre surveyed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapist Andrea Blackshaw, from London, said: "I often find actors are asked to undertake activities that are clearly potentially injurious.

"The survey highlights the importance for injury prevention to be made a major focus by all parties involved."

More than three quarters of actors admitted suffering physical discomfort or injury as a result of their jobs. Four out of five of them said working in the theatre was to blame. Only 11% said it occurred in television and 5% of the accidents occurred on film sets.

Christine Payne, Equity assistant general secretary, theatre and variety, said: "Acting on stage can be very physically demanding. Equity is very concerned that all health and safety issues are covered."

Farrell tore a ligament while filming in Thailand for Alexander. Pitt hurt his Achilles tendon - he plays Achilles - in the remake of the siege of Troy.