Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle

BEN Meyjes has replaced Paul Nicholls as Hippolytus in the Donmar Warehouse production of Phaedra.

Meyjes was most recently seen on stage in Measure for Measure at the National Theatre, and Journey’s End at the West End’s Comedy Theatre.

His other stage credits include Another Country, Hamlet and Twelfth Night. He has also appeared on screen – in Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War and Cambridge Spies.

Previously Posted: The Donmar Warehouse production of Phaedra has been forced to cancel its first week of performances after actor Paul Nicholls withdrew with a severe throat infection. Previews will now begin on April 13, 2006.

Nicholls, who was due to play Hippolytus, is probably best known for his role in EastEnders. Yet since leaving the soap, he has appeared regularly on stage in productions such as Festen, Vincent in Brixton and Long Day’s Journey into Night.

With no understudies at the Donmar, his replacement has not yet been announced.

And in spite of the week’s cancellation, Phaedra must finish on June 3, 2006, as planned, to make way for the Donmar’s next production, A Voyage Round My Father.

Previously Posted: A new production of Racine’s Phaedra by Frank McGuinness will run for a limited season – from April 6 to June 3, 2006 – at the Donmar Warehouse.

Based on Euripides’ Hippolytus, Racine’s Phaedra reveals the devastating potential of love and the brutality of human nature.

The King is missing, presumed dead. His warrior son is braced for inheritance but is betrayed by his heart. Phaedra, the tormented Queen, has a terrifying secret that will shake Athens to its core.

Clare Higgins returns to the Donmar following her Olivier Award-winning performance as Hercuba in Frank McGuinness’ new version for 2004. She also received great acclaim for her recent portrayal of Linda Loman in the Lyric Theatre’s production of Death of a Salesman.

The cast will also include Linda Bassett, Sean Campion, Michael Feast, Lucy-Anne Holmes, Paul Nicholls, Marcella Plunkett and Janet Whiteside.

Tom Cairns will direct.

For further information call the Box Office on 0870 060 6624 or visit the website.