Rhys Ifans has been forced to withdraw from the Old Vic’s upcoming production of Joe Penhall’s Mood Music, citing family reasons.
The actor cited 'family reasons'
Ifans, who recently starred in the theatre’s festive production of A Christmas Carol, was due to play Bernard, a record producer who goes to battle with a group of lawyers over who owns a hit song. The role will now be played by Ben Chaplin, whose theatre credits include Consent (National Theatre), The Glass Menagerie (Donmar Warehouse) and Farewell to Theatre (Hampstead Theatre).
The cast of the production will also feature Seána Kerslake as Cat, Pip Carter as Ramsay, Kurt Egyiawan as Miles, Jemma Redgrave as Vanessa and Neil Stuke as Seymour.
Penhall, whose previous work includes Sunny Afternoon and Blue/Orange, wrote the drama which looks at the dark side of the music industry. Roger Mitchell (Marya, The Old Vic) will direct this world premiere which runs from 21st April to 16th June, with an official opening night on 2nd May.
