The Menier Chocolate Factory has today announced that James Dreyfus has regretfully been forced to withdraw from their forthcoming production of Florian Zeller’s The Lie on medical advice, with Alexander Hanson stepping into the company to play the husband of his real-life spouse Samantha Bond.
With the production previously due to begin previews tomorrow (14 September), the unfortunate news means it is likely that some early performances will be cancelled; the Menier will be in touch directly with any members of the public affected.
The cast and creative team are working hard to put the play on stage at the earliest opportunity to honour as many previews as possible. The production’s press night is on 27 September, running until 18 November.
Alexander Hanson (Bernard Jenkin) in rehearsals for Committee… (A New Musical) at the Donmar Warehouse (Photo: Jack Sain)
Alice spots her friend’s husband with another woman. Should she tell her friend the truth…or lie? Her husband Paul is convinced that it is better to lie. But in doing so, who is being protected and who suffers?
Both find out that in matters of the heart, the line between the truth and a lie can be a dangerous one to cross.
Tony Gardner and Alexandra Gilbreath complete the company.
The Lie sees the return of Hanson, Zeller, Hampton and Posner to the Menier following the huge success of The Truth in 2016, which later transferred to the West End and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Comedy.