The National Theatre in the U.K. is reporting that actor Richard Griffiths will replace Michael Gambon in the thier production of Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art. Griffiths will be taking over the role of poet WH Auden opposite Alex Jennings as Benjamin Britten. Michael Gambon is said to be withdrawing from the production due to health reasons. The Nicholas Hytner-directed production is slated to begin previews on November 5.
The Habit of Art focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Britten and Auden, imagining a meeting between the one-time friends 25 years after they last spoke. Griffiths and Jennings will be joined on-stage by Frances de la Tour, Adrian Scarborough, John Heffernan, Elliot Levey and Stephen Wight. The production is designed by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis.
According to the National Theatre online, Richard Griffiths created the role of Hector in Alan Bennett's The History Boys at the National Theatre, on international tour, on Broadway and on film, winning the Evening Standard, Critics' Circle, Laurence Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor.
The Habit Of Art will run at the National Theatre's Lyttleton Theater from November 5, 2009 - January 24, 2010. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.
