August 19, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Operation Daybreak star Martin Shaw is now recovering following a collapse on stage while performing on Wednesday. During his performance on 'A Country Girl' at the Shrewsbury's Severn Theatre, the 65 year old actor fell ill and collapsed in the first act.

The curtain was brought down and the actor was taken to hospital. He had been suffering from cracked ribs and was prescribed antibiotics for a severe chest infection. But he went to the stage even in this condition only to avoid disappointing his fans.

The marketing manager for the Severn Theatre, Jackson Cummings, said that they had called paramedics as a precautionary measure. The play 'A Country Girl' in which Martin was performing is based on the Oscar winning film of same name. It is now on tour in the UK.

Martin is hopeful to come back to the stage for the performance on Friday night as he is recovering now. However, he would miss the performance on Thursday night. His agent Roger Charteris was quoted saying that Martin passed out on stage during the performance because of the combined effect of a broken rib, a severe chest infection, antibiotics and lights. Roger added that Shaw is fine now and needs good rest.

-- Sampurn Wire