Jodie Comer was forced to halt her one-woman show Prima Facie on Broadway on Wednesday due to breathing issues caused by New York’s air crisis.
An eyewitness told Deadline that Comer stopped the show after just three minutes after complaining that she couldn’t breathe.
The Killing Eve star was then helped off the stage, with understudy Dani Arlington performing the remainder of the show.
Comer, 30, stars as Tessa in Suzie Miller’s play, and was recently nominated for a Tony Award for her performance, which is her Broadway debut.
A spokesperson for the show said: “Today’s matinee of Prima Facie was halted approximately 10 minutes into the performance after Jodie Comer had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
“The performance was set to start again from the top with understudy Dani Arlington going on for Ms Comer in the role of Tessa.”
Intense Canadian wildfires have blanketed large swathes of US in a smoky haze, turning the air a yellowish gray and prompting warnings for people to stay inside and keep windows closed.
A total of 414 fires are still active in Canada, according to CNN, 239 of which are deemed out of control.
New York city officials on Wednesday said air quality was hazardous and everyone should stay indoors.
Eric Adams, the city’s mayor, said: “We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible.
“Those with pre-existing respiratory problems, like heart or breathing problems, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive and should stay indoors at this time.”
Prima Facie tells the story of a barrister who defends men accused of sexual assault, before herself being assaulted.
Comer won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Russian assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve and has since gone on to star in films like Free Guy and The Last Duel.
