Almeida theatre cancels performances of A Streetcar Named Desire as actor withdraws

Patsy Ferran will take over from Lydia Wilson when the London production opens a week late, alongside co-stars Paul Mescal and Anjana Vasan

London's Almeida theatre has cancelled the first week of performances of A Streetcar Named Desire as one of its lead actors, Lydia Wilson, has withdrawn for health reasons.

Patsy Ferran will take over the role of Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' New Orleans drama, which will now have its first preview on 17 December. All performances from 12-16 December have been cancelled.