Theatre News

Suranne Jones pulls out of West End's Frozen four performances before end of run

The actor announced on her Instagram page that she wouldn’t be returning for the final four shows

Suranne Jones
Suranne Jones
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Suranne Jones left the West End production of Bryony Lavery's Frozen four performances before its conclusion due to illness over the weekend.

After being unable to finish the Thursday matinee performance due to dizziness, Jones did not return to the show for the remainder of its run at Theatre Royal Haymarket. The actor, known for her leading role in Doctor Foster, later posted an apology on Instagram about dropping out of the production.

In her post, Jones also mentioned how draining the subject matter of the piece (about a mother dealing with an abducted child) played a part in her feeling drained, using hashtags including 'only human after all' and 'end of a tough job'.

Jones said: "Anyone who knows the show knows it is a highly draining piece and after 3 months and a sickness I just wasn't able to end the run…This show has taken it's toll on me and the subject matter was deeply affecting. You as the audience experience it once and always say how you are moved and drained by it. I'm certain it has contributed to my feeling under the weather."

Roisin Rae performed in the show in Jones' stead, alongside Jason Watkins and Nina Sosanya.

You can read our review of the West End production of Lavery's piece here.

Her statement in full: "Dear all. I'm so sorry I couldn't make the last 4 shows. I was taken off the matinee on Thursday half way through the show as I felt so dizzy when I was on stage and my wonderful understudy #roisinrae finished the show. I came back after an illness and it was perhaps too soon .. anyone who knows the show knows it is a highly draining piece and after 3 months and a sickness I just wasn't able to end the run. I was so hoping to make it back for you all tonight but my dr eventually said I shouldn't put myself through it and risk getting ill again. SO GUTTED and SO SORRY to those I missed. This show has taken it's toll on me and the subject matter was deeply affecting. You as the audience experience it once and always say how you are moved and drained by it. I'm certain it has contributed to my feeling under the weather. We as performers always think we can push through and carry on but sometimes we just can't. I'm now going to take time out and rest before I move on to Gentleman Jack in a few weeks… but I'll be back with some exciting #AnneLister News when we've completed filming thank you for all your support and to everyone who shared this #Frozen journey with us. Thank you to our team @theatreroyalhaymarket and to our brilliant cast and finally to those who we met through @missingpeople.uk ..We send our love to those who are currently missing a loved one and on a personal note, Thank you to our amazing company stage manager and my friend @e_banners Emma Banwell .. love and respect Suranne. #endofatoughjob #theatrelife #healthfirst #onlyhumanafterall."