"Paul": Rhys withdraws - Adam Godley takes over - All October performances cancelled!

"Paul": Rhys withdraws - Adam Godley takes over - All October performances cancelled!

Paul Rhys has had to withdraw from Howard Brenton's new play Paul. The title role will be taken instead by Adam Godley - All October performances are cancelled! ( Mike Leigh's "TWO THOUSAND YEARS" has taken over the vacant slots of 14 to 19 Oct)

The new press (opening) night is now on Wednesday 9 November 2005 at the Cottesloe, National Theatre. Previews of 'Paul' will resume from Tuesday 1 November.

Last week performances were cancelled after Paul Rhys became ill. No information is available concerning Paul Rhys' illness.

In order for Adam Godley to rehearse for the part, the rest of October performances have been cancelled.

Directed by Howard Davies, the other cast members include: Lloyd Owen (Peter ), Paul Higgins (James).

A divine revelation on the road to Damascus moves Saul to renounce his former life. He changes his name, converts from Judaism, and devotes himself to preaching the Gospel. Taking the life and moral teachings of this religious thinker, Howard Brenton explores the phenomenon of faith. While offering a secular reading of the story of Christ's resurrection, at the play's heart Paul preaches from his Letter to the Corinthians.

Adam Godley is currently appearing in Mike Leigh's 'Two Thousand Years' at the Cottesloe. His previous work for the National includes Martin McDonagh's 'The Pillowman' and Terry Johnson's 'Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick'. His extensive theatre work also includes 'The White Devil' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' for the RSC; 'Private Lives' (also in New York: Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut), 'An Inspector Calls', 'The Wood Demon' and 'The Revengers' Comedies' in the West End; and 'The Front Page' and 'Cabaret' at the Donmar Warehouse. His film and television work includes 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Around the World in 80 Days', 'Love Actually', 'The Young Visiters' and 'Armadillo'.