THEATRE NEWS: Bedford pulls out of Stratford
5 JUL/11

JOHN COULBOURN - QMI Agency

Brian Bedford, who was to have directed and starred in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's forthcoming production of The Misanthrope, has been forced to withdraw from the project, citing medical reasons.

Bedford's withdrawal was announced yesterday by the Festival's artistic director, Des McAnuff. "Brian's condition is treatable, and it is expected that he will make a full recovery," McAnuff said, adding that he anticipates Bedford will return to the Festival in future seasons.

Bedford, who has just finished a Tony-nominated run on Broadway in a Stratford-born production of The Importance Of Being Earnest, will be replaced as director by David Grindley and in the role of Oronte, by Peter Hutt.

The Misanthrope begins previews July 31 and opens officially on Aug. 12.