Date: 4th August 2004

Pox Halts Slater's British Stage Debut


Hollywood star Christian Slater has put his British stage debut on hold because of a bout of chicken pox.

Slater, 34, was taken ill while rehearsing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in London.

The production was expected to be a favourite at this year's Edinburgh Festival.

But the actor has been advised by his doctor to rest-up, which means the opening night - Friday - has had to be cancelled.

Nica Burns, the play's producer, said: "We so hoped we would be able to make the first performance but poor Christian's chicken pox has simply been too virulent.

"
In order to safeguard the rest of the run we are having to take the doctor's advice to let Christian recover for one more day. RP McMurphy is an enormous part requiring great energy."

His co-stars include Frances Barber and The Office's Mackenzie Crook, a friend of Slaters.

The show will transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London following its three-week run at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Source: Press Release