West End Oliver! opening delayed

Prenger won the role of Nancy in May on BBC One's I'd Do Anything

The first two planned performances of the new West End production of Oliver!, starring I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, have been cancelled.

Scheduled shows at the Theatre Royal on the night of Friday 12 December and a matinee the day after have been axed.

The first performance will now take place on the evening of 13 December.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said extra time was needed to rehearse three teams of 50 child actors. Ticketholders can exchange tickets or apply for refunds.

Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety Cameron Mackintosh

The planned previews were cancelled because of the "complexity of the production and the need to safely rehearse 150 children with the adult company of 35 actors on a moving set".

There were three separate teams of 50 child actors because of licensing regulations, Mackintosh said.

"Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety," he said.

Theatregoers with tickets for the two cancelled performances should contact the original point of sale to arrange a refund or to exchange tickets for a later performance.

Prenger won the role of Nancy in Oliver! after winning the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything.

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