London 'Stones' Cancels Tonight's Press Opening

Due to the illness of one its stars, the new West End production of Marie Jones' Stones in His Pocket will no longer have its official opening tonight, according to Whatsonstage.com.

The comedy, which is in previews at the Duchess Theatre, was to have played a press opening on November 6th.  However, star Hugh Lee's viral illness has forced producers to postpone the opening, which will most likely be rescheduled.

Although he himself is not ill, Lee's costar Simon Delaney has also been out of the production for the last few performances.  The two have previously played opposite each other in the West End and on tour in Ireland.

The alternate cast of John Cronin and Conrad Kemp played the Friday evening performance, as well as the Saturday matinee and evening performances.  They will headline the show until Lee has recovered.

In the play, which is set in a small Irish village, Lee and Delaney play a variety of characters responding to the invasion of a Hollywood film crew.  The play--which originated at Belfast's Lyric Theatre--has played several previous London stints, including at the New Ambassadors and the Duke of York's.  The show originally starred Olivier Award-winner Conleth Hill and Sean Campion.  It is directed by David Bownes (based on the original direction of Ian McElhinney).

Produced by Paul Elliott and Pat Moylan, Stones in His Pocket is designed by Jack Kirwan and features lighting by James C McFetridge.