The producers of The Audience have announced that Robert Hardy has decided to withdraw from the production. Hardy, 87, recently suffered a fall and cracked some ribs, yet continued to perform at all of the preview performances last week. Over the weekend he has decided that a schedule of eight performances a week over a long run is not sustainable and he has therefore reluctantly decided to stand down.
The Audience will continue to play at the Gielgud Theatre with Hardy's understudy, David Peart, playing the role of Winston Churchill and the producers are actively looking for an actor to replace Robert Hardy.
Director, Stephen Daldry said "Robert is one of theatre's great actors and for him to have accepted this challenge at his age speaks of his courage and commitment to the theatre. That he feels unable to continue is a great sadness to us all but we respect his decision and wish him a return to full health and strength very soon."
The Audience began previewing at the Gielgud Theatre on 15th February 2013, press night is on 5th March 2013. The play runs until 15th June 2013.
The producers would like to thank Robert Hardy for his extraordinary contribution to the production and they wish him a speedy recovery.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
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