Jason Watkins, who was due to play the roles of Karl and Steve in the forthcoming West End transfer of Clybourne Park, has withdrawn from the production due to family tragedy.
Watkins, who was due to take on the roles played by Martin Freeman in the play’s premiere at the Royal Court, will be replaced by Stephen Campbell Moore.
A familiar face on stage and screen, Campbell Moore was last seen in the West End in All My Sons at the Apollo theatre last year. Previous to that he played teacher Irwin in Alan Bennett’s multi-award-winning The History Boys at the National Theatre and on Broadway, going on to recreate his performance for the subsequent film adaptation. His screen work also includes television dramas Wallis And Edward and Ashes To Ashes and films Bright Young Things and The Bank Job.
Bruce Norris’s acerbic comedy Clybourne Park became one of the biggest success stories of last year when it premiered at the Royal Court in the autumn. Exploring issues surrounding race and property, it centres on the movements in one neighbourhood over two generations 50 years apart.
Campbell Moore joins a cast that includes Sophie Thompson, Lorna Brown, Sarah Goldberg, Lucian Msamati, Stuart McQuarrie and Sam Spruell.
Clybourne Park opens at the Wyndham’s theatre on 8 February following previews from 28 January.
CB