Michael Sheen Owain and Henry theatre show Linus Roache illness, Digi Mart USA News (Wales, United Kingdom): Welsh National Theatre’s production Owain and Henry has faced off-stage drama during its preview run, after co-star Linus Roache was forced to leave the show. The co-lead in the historical production is too ill to take part, the company has announced.
Roache, known for TV series Homeland and Law & Order as well as many feature films, was due to play King Henry IV opposite Michael Sheen’s Owain Glyndwr. Previews began on November 5, and understudy Nigel Barrett stepped into the role of Henry IV at the last minute.
Director Hannah Noone also stepped in at very short notice on the first night.
Preview runs are a common way to iron out issues and fine-tune run times before critics attend the press night. During this period a production can still change substantially, as rehearsals take place during the day before each evening’s audience performance.
Barrett is an award-winning actor who previously worked with Sheen on The Passion, a 72-hour theatrical takeover in Sheen’s hometown of Port Talbot over Easter 2011. He has won The Stage Award for Best Actor and has appeared on television in Casualty and Doctors.
In a statement issued on November 10, Welsh National Theatre confirmed that Roache had stepped away from the play “due to illness” and said the show had received a “wonderful audience response.” The company said the production had received standing ovations at performances to date.
“Sadly, Linus Roache has had to step away from Owain and Henry due to illness. Celebrated actor Nigel Barrett will take over the role of Henry from now on,” the statement said.
“Audiences have already shown their appreciation for Nigel, applauding him for stepping into the role at short notice.”
Barrett, who also won the Samuel Beckett Theatre Award, has stage credits including Hamnet and Julius Caesar for the RSC, Cymbeline at Shakespeare’s Globe, and work with the Royal Court, the National Theatre and Complicite. He previously worked on The Passion for National Theatre Wales, and his screen credits include The Gospel of Us, Casualty and Doctors.
Audience members shared their reactions on social media. One attendee praised Barrett’s performance, saying he “did an exceptional job as King Henry with only 24 hours to prepare.” Another, who attended a preview, noted some minor snags, mostly with the staging, and praised Barrett’s work.
A third described the production as “big and bold” and said the audience gave the cast an instant standing ovation.
Owain and Henry is co-directed by Sheen and Steffan Donnelly of Theatr Cymru. The production brings to life one of Wales’ most powerful historical moments, when Welsh-born prince Glyndwr led a rebellion against the English king in the 1400s.
The show runs until November 28, and tickets remain available.
