Julie Legrand to replace Maggie Steed in The Rivals

Julie Legrand is to take on the role of Mrs Malaprop in the upcoming production of The Rivals.

Legrand will replace Maggie Steed, who will no longer be able to play the role due to 'unavoidable personal circumstances'.

The actress will join the company in rehearsals from 1 August. Her previous credits include Jeanette Dunkley in Footballers’ Wives, Madame Morrible in Wicked and she has starred in West End productions of Fiddler on the Roof, See How They Run and played Electra in Gypsy at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Dominic Hill's production stars Desmond Barrit as Sir Anthony Absolute, Lucy Briggs-Owen as Lydia Languish and Rhys Rusbatch as Jack Absolute.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 Restoration comedy of manners is set in Bath and follows the adventures of young lovers Lydia and Jack and the other suitors pursuing Lydia.

The Rivals is a co-production between Glasgow's Citizens Theatre, the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and Bristol Old Vic.

The show opens in Bristol on 9 September before touring to Liverpool (5-29 October) and Glasgow (2-19 November).