The Stage

Gatiss withdraws from Darker Shores at the Hampstead Theatre

Published Wednesday 2 December 2009 at 15:25 by Lalayn Baluch

Mark Gatiss has been forced to withdraw from Hampstead Theatre’s Christmas production Darker Shores, following a serious illness of a close family member.

Mark Gatiss forced to withdraw from Hampstead's Christmas show due to family illness

Gatiss was due to play the character of Professor Gabriel Stokes in Michael Punter’s play, which will open for previews on December 4. It is scheduled to complete its run on January 16.

He will be replaced by Tom Goodman-Hill, who most recently appeared as Andy Fastow in Enron at the Royal Court. Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pamela Miles and Vinette Robinson complete the cast.

Hampstead Theatre artistic director Anthony Clark, who is directing Darker Shores, said: “Our thoughts are with Mark, who is currently with his family. We are very sad that his hard work and talent will not be seen on stage in this production.

“However, we are very fortunate to have Tom Goodman-Hill joining the cast at the eleventh hour. He joins us during technical rehearsals and we are confident that he will bring an equally special quality to the role.”