The Stage

Lear press night postponed after Barber bicycle accident

Published Monday 2 April 2007 at 17:30 by Alistair Smith

The press night of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear, starring Ian McKellen, has been postponed due to an injury to performer Frances Barber.

Barber, who plays Goneril, has suffered a knee injury in a bicycle accident and the planned press night of tomorrow, Tuesday April 3, has now been postponed. A performance will go ahead with the understudy Melanie Jessop in the role.

Director Trevor Nunn said: “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.”

An alternative press performance date will be announced as soon as possible.