LUCK OF THE SCOTTISH PLAY CURSES LEAR

03-04-2007

It's one of the great theatrical traditions that “the show must go on” - but the Royal Shakespeare Company take a slightly different view. They've banned the press from the current production of King Lear until Wolverhampton-born actress Frances Barber recovers from a knee injury.

Performances of the long-awaited Trevor Nunn production, with Ian McKellen in the lead role, are continuing - but more than 100 journalists due at tonight's press show have been asked not to attend.

Barber had a cycling accident at the weekend, and has damaged her knee ligaments, allowing understudy Melanie Jessop to take her role as Goneril.

Director Nunn explained: “It is very unfortunate that Frances' injury means we must delay the press performance of Lear but Ian and I both feel that the production should be seen in its entirety as it has been rehearsed, and that it would be unfair on the understudy to be reviewed in only her second performance in the role.

“Frances will have to undergo surgery in the next few days. We are hopeful that she will soon recover and be able to resume her role in Lear, and as Arkadina in the forthcoming production of The Seagull.”

This is such a high-profile production that the RSC's determination to have it reviewed in the best possible light is entirely understandable; but having watched it last night, The Stirrer can reveal that Jessop is excellent in her temporary role.

Professional etiquette dictates that we can't say more until the rest of the media have had the chance to see the production; suffice to say,Nunn and McKellen's Learhas our highest possible recommendation - with or without the excellent Ms Barber.