Matt Lucas, the Little Britain star who opened in the West End premiere of Prick Up Your Ears last week, has indefinitely withdrawn from the production following the death of his former civil partner Kevin McGee.
Television producer McGee was found hanged in his Edinburgh flat on Monday.
Lucas and McGee began their relationship before Lucas became a household name through the success of comedy sketch show Little Britain. The couple married in December 2006 but parted in October 2008 after Lucas cited unreasonable behaviour by his partner.
The producers of Prick Up Your Ears commented: “Our thoughts are with Matt whom we are in constant touch with. Until further notice his role of Kenneth Halliwell in the West End production of Prick Up Your Ears will be played by his understudy Michael Chadwick.”
Prick Up Your Ears, which toured prior to its West End opening at the Comedy theatre, tells the story of the tempestuous relationship between playwright Joe Orton and his lover and writing partner Kenneth Halliwell. Chris New and Gwen Taylor will continue in their roles as Orton and landlady Mrs Corden.
MA