Sienna Miller in As You Like It
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Miller Misses As You Like It During Media Frenzy

Last month Sienna Miller, currently starring in As You Like It at the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre, saved the day when she stepped in, with less than 90 minutes’ preparation, to perform the larger role of Rosalind for her then ill co-star Helen McCrory (See News, 24 Jul 2005). But last night, it was Miller who was indisposed and replaced at short notice by her understudy, Denise Gough.

Miller’s absence followed three intense days’ of tabloid frenzy surrounding her relationship with fiancé and fellow actor Jude Law, who admitted an affair with his children’s nanny. On Monday evening, after the story first broke and Law issued a public apology, Miller – who marked her professional stage debut playing Celia in David Lan’s 1940s-set production of As You Like It - did perform, though paparazzi photos outside the theatre showed her without her engagement ring and, inside, she became tearful at the curtain call.

A statement issued last night by the show producers said that Miller had been given the evening off “due to the huge media attention she has endured over the past few days". Though some theatregoers were reportedly unhappy with Miller’s no-show, a sign outside the theatre explained to the audience: "The As You Like It management has made the decision that at this evening’s performance the role of Celia will be played by Denise Gough.”

A show spokesperson told Whatsonstage.com this morning that Miller is expected to return to the show this evening (Wednesday 20 July 2005), when “it is business as usual”. For further information, theatregoers should contact Wyndham’s box office on 0870 060 6633.

- by Terri Paddock

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