Gawn Grainger to replace John Hurt in The Entertainer

Gawn Grainger will replace John Hurt in Kenneth Branagh's The Entertainer.

Hurt, who was recently hospitalised with an 'intestinal complaint', pulled out of the production last week on the advice of his doctors.

Grainger will play the role of Billy Rice for the six-week run alongside Branagh who will play his son Archie.

The play is about a performing family who tour the seedy music hall scene in a post-war Britain.

The cast also includes Phil Dunster, Jonah Hauer-King, Crispin Letts, Sophie McShera and Greta Scacchi.

The Entertainer runs at the Garrick Theatre from 30 August to 12 November.