Elf The Musical star who broke ankle falling off ladder sues for £1.7million
AN actor who broke his ankle falling off a ladder while starring in Elf The Musical is suing for £1.7million.
Ben Forster, 40, was injured playing Buddy in the stage version of the Will Ferrell movie as he used the ladder to decorate a Christmas tree.
And he claims the accident destroyed his stage dreams.
His lawyer, David White, told the High Court he could stand and sing but was unable to dance, run up stairs, work with moving scenery or lift his co-star.
He added: “He is unable to return to the physical demands of being a leading West End theatrical performer.”
Mr Forster played Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar after winning ITV’s Superstar in 2012.
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He appeared in The Phantom of the Opera and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
But his career was derailed when he tumbled from the 8ft wheeled ladder at The Lowry Theatre, in Salford, Manchester, in January 2018.
The Sunderland-born performer claims the ladder was being spun too violently by fellow elves.
Producer Elf The Musical (UK) Ltd denies negligence. A trial date will be fixed later.
