Audra McDonald: 'The theatre industry needs to do more to help new mums and gay parents'

Six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, who recently had a baby with husband Will Swenson, has called upon the industry to do more to assist theatre professionals who want to begin families.

Talking at the launch of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, McDonald's West End debut show, the actress said: "Sometimes it feels like it's much harder for women to continue to pursue a career because they get stuck with the childcare.

"But also it's an issue for the many gay couples who are also starting families. So it's just a childcare issue in general and the theatre industry needs to work towards being more supportive of that."

McDonald had to postpone her appearance in the show, which is set during one of Billie Holiday's final concerts at a run-down bar in Philadelphia, after it was announced that she was expecting a baby.

Baby Sally James is now six months-old and a new run has been set for Wyndham's Theatre in June. Ahead of her debut the Broadway legend is now in London preparing with a series of concerts at the Leicester Square Theatre, click here to read our review.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill runs at Wyndham's Theatre from 27 June to 9 September, with previews from 17 June.