Preview Shows Of West End Musical "Oliver!" Canceled

The British revival of the West End musical revival "Oliver!" has announced that the first two previews of the show have been canceled due to logistics.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the previews would be canceled due to the logistics of trying to rehearse with 150 kids. He released a statement saying, "Due to the complexity of the production and the need to safely rehearse 150 children with the adult company of 35 actors on a moving set, we have decided that we need extra rehearsal time and therefore, with great regret, I have decided to cancel the first two previews."

"Licensing regulations require us to have three teams of 50 children, many of whom are on stage for most of the show. Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety."

The show stars Rowan Atkinson as Fagan, Jodie Prenger, winner of "I'd Do Anything" as Nancy, Julian Glover as Mr. Brownlow and Burn Gorman as Bill Sykes. Winners of the BBC1 talent contest are sharing the role of Oliver.

With the first two performances being canceled, the first show will now be held on Saturday evening at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.