Aidan Coyle is due to make his stage debut in Sideline Productions’ musical comedy, The Witches of Eastwick, at the end of May.

However, he injured his left ankle playing football, and can now only hobble rather than dance.

But, in the best acting tradition, Aidan is determined the show must go on!

Aidan, 40, a teacher at Lady Alice Primary, explained: “I was playing in a friendly match when I came down from a header and my foot gave way.

“I tried to carry on, but it swelled up and I had to go to hospital, where they found I had torn ligaments — and that ligaments had also torn some bone off the ankle.

“The bone will have to fuse itself, and I’m having to wear a support boot and take painkillers. The ankle is still badly bruised.

“I start physiotherapy this week, and the doctor in the fracture clinic is hopeful I can still appear in the show.” Aidan, of Greenock, has learned all the dances for the show, and has continued going to rehearsals since the accident on 15 April.

He’s in the chorus and also plays a man who has an affair with a witch.

Ironically, his injury happened just a few hours after he had signed up for next April’s Paris Marathon.

He started running last September to get fitter, and is doing the Great Scottish Run half-marathon in October.

Aidan said: “I’m very hopeful I’ll make the show. I sing at rehearsals, but I have to sit down when the dancing starts.” He got the acting bug from his son, Daire, who has starred in several roles with Kayos Youth Theatre.

Aidan said: “I worked backstage with Kayos and then auditioned for Witches of Eastwick.

“I’m really enjoying being part of the show — and I’m determined to be there for the opening night.” Sideline Productions have had several sell-out shows, including Sunshine on Leith, The Steamie and The Sound of Music.

Producer/director Mary Goodwin praised Aidan’s gung-ho spirit.

She said: “It’s great that Aidan comes to rehearsals, even if he has to spend a lot of time with his foot up. He’s able to sing and hobble around, but can’t dance!” Mary added: “The show is a great night out with some very dry humour and great music. However, parental guidance is recommended as there are some risqué moments in the show.

“We had a run-through on Sunday and it went really well. It’s just a case of polishing and tweaking things now.” The show is based on the 1987 Jack Nicholson movie, The Witches 0f Eastwick, and runs from 27 to 30 May at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Tickets are available from the Beacon box office on 723723.