THE week-long run of Scrooge at the New Theatre, Oxford, has been cancelled after entertainer Michael Barrymore pulled out.
The troubled comedian, left, best known for hosting TV's Strike it Lucky and My Kind of People, was set to star in the stage musical at the theatre in George Street from January 15-20. But New Theatre spokesman Joel Barnett said: "Michael Barrymore has been ordered by doctors to rest for one week."
He said he would complete the show's run at Sunderland over the Christmas period, but would be unable to come to 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 jnr, from Harlow, was found 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.
- For information about ticket refunds, call the New Theatre on 01865 320760
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