Sharon & Aimee Osbourne quit The Vagina Monologues

Sharon & Aimee Osbourne quit The Vagina Monologues

Sharon & Aimee Osbourne have quit The Vagina Monologues, just days before the first performance on 5 April 2005! This follows news a few days ago of Naomie Harris also quitting the show!

The BBC report that "due to unavoidable personal reasons" they have to pull out of the show. The family were due to return to Los Angeles on Saturday so eldest daughter Aimee, 21, could receive treatment for an undisclosed illness.

It is thought the show will still go ahead on 5 April 2005 and we are awaiting details of Sharon & Aimee Osbourne's replacements.

A statement from the Producers released Monday Morning 4 April.... The producers of The Vagina Monologues, Mark Goucher and Sally Greene, were shocked to discover a press release had been issued on Friday night saying that Sharon and Aimee Osbourne were withdrawing from the show.

No communication has been made to them from Sharon Osbourne, her agent or her management to either inform them or discuss this development and the producers are continuing as a matter of urgency to try to clarify the position. With no official notification of this decision, the producers only know what they have learnt through the press.

With a substantial part of the show¹s income being donated to women¹s charities and the producers keen to honour this commitment, the production will still open tomorrow night, Tuesday 5th April, at London¹s Wyndham¹s Theatre (Press Night: Thursday 7th April @ 7pm)

With Aimee afflicted by an undisclosed illness and unable to appear in the show, the producers have had to seek alternate casting to replace her role. They have tried to make contact with Sharon and her representatives on many occasions, but with no official notification of her withdrawal, they are hoping Sharon will still be taking part in the production.

The producers do no want to let down the V Day charities and are lining up a series of star replacements for Aimee. Many high-profile actresses will be showing their solidarity with and support for the show by making guest appearances in the production throughout its run. Many of these star names will be taking part in a photo call at 5.30pm at The Wyndham¹s Theatre today (Monday 4th April) with the other stars of the show, Jenny Éclair and Diane Parish.

V Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls, founded in response to the overwhelming reaction by hundreds of women to the award-winning play, The Vagina Monologues. Local groups raise awareness and empower women in their own communities through proceeds from the show.

This troubled production had already lost Naomie Harris, a few days ago, quitting due to her filming requirements. Diane Parish has replaced her.

The other cast member, comedienne Jenny Eclair is currently still expected to remain in the show!

The Vagina Monologues received its West End premiere in May 2001 and has since continued to tour the UK.

Based on interviews with a diverse group of women - from a Long Island antique dealer to a Bosnian refugee - the play brazenly explores the humour, power, pain, wisdom, outrage, mystery and excitement hidden in vaginas.