The National is having poor luck with its leading men recently. First, Paul Rhys had to pull out of Ivanov, and now Sir Ian Holm has had to withdraw from Mappa Mundi due to a medical problem.

Following this recent illness, Alun Armstrong will now take on the role of Jack Armstrong in the world premiere of Shelagh Stephenson's Mappa Mundi. The press night will now be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, with previews beginning Saturday, Nov. 2.

Alun Armstrong's previous roles for the National include Willie Loman in Death of a Salesman, the title role in Sweeney Todd — for which he won an Olivier Award — and The Father. Other theatre roles include Einstein in Insignificance at the Donmar Warehouse.

The full cast comprises Alun Armstrong, James Hayes, Tim McInnerny, Alibe Parsons, Patrick Robinson and Lia Williams, with Chody Choi, Juliet Codlin, Gerrard Martin, Benny Maslov, Lorena Randi and Supple.

Mappa Mundi is directed by Bill Alexander and designed by Ruari Murchison, with lighting by Paul Pyant, music by Jonathan Goldstein, choreography by Arthur Pita and sound by David Tinson.

—By Theatrenow