A Passionate Woman postponed
Star Bellingham diagnosed with cancer
By Thom Dibdin
Lynda Bellingham has been diagnosed with cancer and postponed the tour of A Passionate Woman, which had been due to play the Edinburgh King’s in October.
The actress, who is known as the Oxo Mum from the 80’s TV adverts and stared in All Creatures Great and Small, has been advised not to commit to a national tour, due to medical treatment. According to a statement, she will return to the tour next year.
She said: “I’m devastated not to be able to honour my commitments to the play this year, but having toured many times before, I’m aware of the sheer stamina needed, and I need to prioritise my recovery. That said, nothing’s going to stop me coming back next year, and I can’t wait to be ‘a passionate woman’.”
Written by Kay Mellor, the play was turned into a BBC1 drama staring Billie Piper and Sue Johnston broadcast in April 2010. Mellor was to have directed the new touring production with Christopher Timothy, Polish film star Mateusz Damilicki and Peter McMillan.
Produced by Sheffield Theatres, the production was due to open in Sheffield’s Lyceum in September and tour the UK before transfering to London’s West End. Staging was from the creative team behind Calendar Girls – set designer Robert Jones, lighting designer Tim Lutkin and associate director Jack Ryder.
Daniel Evans, artistic director of Sheffield Theatres, said: “A Passionate Woman is an extraordinary play about an extraordinary woman, and that woman is Lynda Bellingham.
“She is the heart of this production, and it’s inconceivable that we would do it without her. Our priority is to Lynda and her health, and we look forward to welcoming her back soon.”
Those who have already bought tickets for the production should contact the King’s box office on 0131 529 6000 for a ticket exchange or refund.
Details on the King’s website: www.edtheatres.com
ENDS
