The Play's The Thing delays previews by 2 days

" The Play's The Thing" delays previews by 2 days

The first two preview dates of The Play's The Thing, have been cancelled. The production will now commence previews on 14th June 2006 (instead of 12 Jun), opening night remains the same 22nd June - booking to 2 Sep 2006.

A statement said: "Regrettably, Steven Pimlott, who was directing the winning play in the forthcoming theatre production and Channel Four series, The Play's The Thing, has had to withdraw at very short notice mid-way through rehearsals due to serious ill health. Steven, who has played a vital role both as director of the winning play and mentor to the winning playwright, has overseen the play's development with producer Sonia Friedman and literary agent Mel Kenyon from the first draft through re-writes, workshops, casting, design and the start of rehearsals."

Robert Delamere, who has also been involved in The Play's The Thing (mentoring one of the other short-listed playwrights), will take over direction of the winning play.

The four part Channel 4 Series, which follows the search for a new, first time, British playwright, will be transmitted in June.

The winning play will be revealed during the series, along with details of the creative team and cast. (Although it has been rumoured that Maxine Peake, Paul Hilton and Tom McKay will be in the cast, although this has not been officially confirmed)

The Play's The Thing has attracted submissions from more than 2,000 previously un-produced writers. The panel of judges - three top theatre professionals, West End producer Sonia Friedman, Literary Agent Mel Kenyon and Actor Neil Pearson - will whittle down submissions to one winning play which will be produced by Friedman at the New Ambassadors Theatre.

The winning playwright will experience all the drama of public scrutiny and first-night nerves as the curtain goes up, not only on their stage debut, but their West End debut. Every step of the way has been filmed for the accompanying Channel 4 series from first day of rehearsals to set building to the opening night.