Peter Bowles has left the cast of the world première production of Stop!... The Play as rehearsals were about to begin.
James Woolley has taken over the role at short notice and the show will preview in The Studio at Fairfield Halls, Croydon from 26 to 30 May prior to opening at Trafalgar Studios 2 where it plays from 2 to 27 June.
Stop!... The Play is a madcap, theatrical comedy by David Spicer, in which the worst night in the theatre becomes the most hilarious play in town.
Spicer's other credits include sitcom Double Income No Kids Yet and Kind Hearts & Coronets. His first stage play, God Save the Mad Parade, will tour next year.
The play's producer Timothy Beckmann said, “it has been a bit of a nightmare... but just the sort of calamitous event that occurs in each scene of our play! Mr Bowles had a last-minute change of heart and we have to respect his decision.
“We are thrilled that another veteran of stage and screen, James Woolley, was available and stepped in at such short notice to save the day. Rehearsals are now going great guns.”