Louise Redknapp has withdrawn from the upcoming West End production of 9 to 5 due being left with serious injuries after falling over outside of rehearsals.
The producers have today released a statement.
“Due to an injury this week, Louise Redknapp has had to temporarily withdraw from performing the role of Violet in 9 to 5 The Musical. The recovery time recommended means Louise is no longer able to properly rehearse the show in the remaining time left before opening. Together we have made the difficult decision to delay Louise’s start date in the show. We hope that Louise will start performances sometime towards the end of March/early April 2019. Everyone at 9 to 5 wishes Louise a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming her back”.
The name of the actress stepping in to play the role in Louise’s absence will be announced shortly. Any patrons who would like to exchange their tickets to a performance when Louise has returned to the show should contact their point of sale.
9 to 5 The Musical will have its first preview at the Savoy Theatre as planned on 28 January 2019."
The cast of the West End premiere of 9 to 5 stars Kinky Boots actress Natalie McQueen as as Doralee Rhodes, Love Island winner Amber Davies as Judy Bernly and Olivier Award nominee, panto favourite Brian Conley as Franklin Hart and living legend Bonnie Langford.
The cast also includes Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Ashford Campbell, Simon Campbell, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Llandyll Gove, Lucinda Lawrence, Jenny Legg, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Natasha Mould, Sean Needham, Jon Reynolds, James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.
Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, 9 to 5 premiered in Los Angeles ten years ago before opening on Broadway in 2009, where it received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations. It had its UK premiere in 2012, embarking on a UK tour and starring Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey, Amy Lennox, Ben Richards and Bonnie Langford.
The piece has music and lyrics by Parton with a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, with choreography by Lisa Stevens, set and costume design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson and musical direction by Andrew Hilton.
