Glenister pulls out of role after stage scare

CONCERNED fans of the actor Robert Glenister are sending him their best wishes after he had to pull out of a leading role in a West End show after being taken ill on stage.

On Friday, theatregoers described how he “froze” mid-performance, slumped his head in his hands and some audience members reported that he appeared upset, forcing stage managers to bring the curtain down on the play, Glengarry Glen Ross, for 30 minutes.

He received medical attention at the Playhouse Theatre in London and an understudy stepped in to play his part in the awardwinning David Mamet play.

Although it was hoped Glenister would be well enough to return for yesterday’s matinee and evening performance, the 57-yearold star of Spooks and Hustle bowed out. A notice theatre said “due to the indisposition of Robert Glenister the role of Dave Moss will be played by Mark Carlisle.”

It emerged that two weeks ago Glenister had fallen ill during a preview of the play when it was said that he shouted “Oh God”, clutched his chest and required medical attention.

It was unclear whether Glenister had merely suffered stage fright or serious physical illness.

A spokesman issued a statement explaining that Glenister became “unwell” during Friday’s performance, adding that he was now “feeling better and … will return soon”.

The cast, including Christian Slater, Kris Marshall, Stanley Townsend and Don Warrington, arrived early yesterday to rehearse with the understudy before the day’s shows. It was unclear whether Glenister would be well enough to return for tomorrow’s performance.