Audra McDonald postpones Lady Day at the Wyndham's

It has been announced that six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald has postponed her West End debut as 'Billie Holliday' in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill by Laine Robertson, which was set to run at the Wyndham's Theatre in London's West End from 25 June to 3 September 2016.

The Broadway star, who is currently starring in the Tony nominated new musical Shuffle Along announced that she and her husband, actor Will Swenson, are expecting a baby, and the London production has been postponed.

Speaking from New York, Audra McDonald said of the news:

"Who knew that tap dancing during perimenopause could lead to pregnancy? Will and I are completely surprised-and elated-to be expecting a new addition to our family. I am so very grateful to everyone in New York and London for allowing me to rearrange my schedule to accommodate this little miracle. Of course, I'm disappointed I have to postpone my West End debut in Lady Day, but I look forward to rescheduling as soon as possible."

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill originally opened on Broadway at the Circle in the Square on 13 April 2014, where it extended its booking period four times, finally closing on 5 October 2014. Directed by Lonny Price, it features design by James Noone, costumes by Esosa, lighting by Robert Wierzel and sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy.

Described as a 'play with music', it received two 2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards nominations including Outstanding Revival Of A Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) and Outstanding Actress In A Musical, for which McDonald went on to win. She also won the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play, and at the 2014 Tony Awards Audra McDonald won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play and Steve Canyon Kennedy won for Best Sound Design of a Play.

Audra McDonald was classically trained at the Juilliard School in New York, and has performed alongside almost every major American orchestra - from the New York Philharmonic to the Berlin Philharmonic. She is as well known for her solo concerts as she is her Broadway credits, and has performed at New York's legendary Carnegie Hall seventeen times.

Her Tony Award-winning Broadway credits include 'Porgy and Bess', 'A Raisin in the Sun', 'Carousel', 'Masterclass', 'Ragtime', and 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill', along with nominations for roles in '110 in the Shade' and 'Marie Christine'.

No dates or information regarding a re-scheduled London production have been announced. Ticket purchasers should contact the Box Office or their supplier to arrange a refund.