Michael Sheen Owain and Henry co-star Linus Roache leaves production due to illness, Digi Mart USA News (Wales, United Kingdom): Welsh National Theatre’s Owain and Henry has experienced off-stage drama during its run of preview shows, after Michael Sheen’s co-star Linus Roache had to leave the production. The co-lead in the historical production is too ill to take part, it has been announced.
Roache, who has starred in the TV series Homeland and Law & Order as well as many feature films, was due to play King Henry IV opposite Sheen’s Owain Glyndwr. Previews began on November 5, with understudy Nigel Barrett stepping 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 common in theatre to iron out issues, sharpen run times and make other adjustments before critics attend the press night. During this period, a show can still change substantially, as rehearsals take place during the day before the production is performed for an audience each evening.
Barrett is an award-winning actor who previously worked with Michael Sheen on The Passion, a 72-hour theatrical event 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 by Welsh National Theatre on November 10, the company confirmed that Linus Roache has stepped away from the play “due to illness” and said the show has received a “wonderful audience response.” The statement said the production has 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.
It noted that Barrett, a winner of The Stage Award for Best Actor and 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. The statement added that audiences have applauded him for stepping in at short notice.
Attendees at the first few performances shared their reactions on social media. One audience member wrote on Instagram that the show was “absolutely phenomenal from start to finish,” praising Barrett’s performance as King Henry with only 24 hours to prepare.
Another attendee at a preview said there were a few minor issues, mostly with the staging, and also praised Barrett.
Owain and Henry is co-directed by Sheen and Steffan Donnelly of Theatr Cymru. The production depicts one of Wales’ most powerful historical moments, when Welsh-born prince Glyndwr leads a rebellion against the English king in the 1400s.
It runs until November 28, and tickets remain available.
