HE'S playing a character called Runt in a show called Disco Pigs - so it's rather ironic that top actor John Kirk has torn a hamstring.

The star, a regular performer at York's Theatre Royal, sustained the injury while rehearsing the two-hander show yesterday, leading to cancellation of last night's performance.

But staff at the theatre say John's roles in two other current productions will be unaffected, and it is hoped that Disco Pigs will be back on stage next Tuesday.

Spokeswoman Michelle Roberts said: "Disco Pigs is a very physical show, and very demanding, so that was why we had to pull last night's show, unfortunately.

"He was rehearsing some of the moves from the show and felt something tear in his leg. It turned out to be a grade three tear of his hamstring."

The play, by Enda Walsh, features two characters called Pig and Runt, who are growing up in a divided community in Ireland.

John's appearances in Live Bed Show and Happy Jack will be unaffected, as the roles do not call for as many physical jerks.

"In Live Bed Show, he spends much of the play, well, in bed," said Michelle.

"Which is handy, I suppose."

Updated: 14:44 Friday, September 21, 2001