Coronation Street star pulls out of more performances of Rebus play
Coronation Street star Charles Lawson has pulled out of another two performances of the Inspector Rebus stage play.
He was replaced by understudy Neil Mckinven for the matinee and evening performances at the King’s Theatre.
His departure means he will have been replaced for at least half the shows in the Edinburgh run of Long Shadows.
Lawson ,59, has not appeared on stage since appearing to forget his lines during the second half of the opening night performance on Monday.
The Northern Irishman apologised to the sold-out audience and said he was feeling faint before being helped off the stage. Mckinven took over the role of Rebus after a break of around five minutes.
The producers of the show say Lawson was “taken ill” during Monday’s show.
Lawson, 59, who saw doctors on Tuesday morning, has not commented publicly on his absence from the production. It is the first time Ian Rankin’s grizzled detective has been adapted for the stage.
A statement issued on behalf of the producers said: “Doctors have advised that Mr Lawson should not perform today and so Neil Mckinven will perform the part of Rebus. Mr Lawson will be back on stage as soon as possible.”