MICHAEL Barrymore has cancelled his appearance in Scrooge at the New Theatre, Oxford, next month under the orders of medics.
The television celebrity, best known for Strike it Lucky and My Kind of People, was set to star in the stage musical in the week of January 15-20.
But New Theatre spokesman Joel Barnett said: "Michael Barrymore has been ordered by doctors to rest for one week.
"He will carry on and complete Sunderland over the Christmas period, however under instructions, he cannot go on the week of Oxford."
In October, Terry Lubbock, the father of Stuart Lubbock, a 31-year-old meat factory worker who died in mysterious circumstances at Mr Barrymore's home at Roydon, Essex, in 2001, urged the producers of Scrooge to scrap the show.
Mr Lubbock, from Harlow, was found face-down and unconscious in the entertainer's swimming pool wearing only boxer shorts. He had sustained serious internal injuries.
There is no suggestion Mr Barrymore was involved in his death.
There was no indication about refunds or a replacement show for those who had pre-booked tickets.
In 2002, an inquest into Mr Lubbock's death reached an open verdict.
Earlier this month, Essex police said they would re-open the Stuart Lubbock case after lobbying on behalf of his family.
Scrooge, based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, opened in November at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.
For more information call the New Theatre on 01865 320760
