PROMISING young actor Andrew Buchan gave a knockout performance in his school play - it drew blood!

The stage action required Andrew to be hit over the head with a picture frame by his 'mother', played by Rebecca Wagstaff.

But the sixth former was seeing stars for real on the first night of Rivington and Blackrod High School's production of Charlie Girl last week.

And his stunning performance turned out to be . . . stunning.

Rebecca wacked him with such force that the frame hit him on the bridge of his nose causing it to bleed heavily.

But like a true trouper, Andrew carried on feeling decidedly shaky with the audience oblivious to the fact that his brilliant acting was for real.

Andrew, who played American playboy Jack Connor during the four night run said: "I was feeling dizzy and when I came off stage I saw that blood was trickling down my face.

"No-one had noticed because of the strobe lighting and Rebecca hadn't realised what she had done until later."

Andrew was still feeling unwell the following morning and had to have the day off school. He even went to see his doctor who checked his vision.

But that night Andrew, 17, was back in the spotlight again to give another great performance, if somewhat less realistic. Needless to say Andrew, who is studying for his A levels, aims to pursue a theatrical career.

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