Olivier Award winner Tamsin Greig (Much Ado About Nothing, God of Carnage) has replaced Sarah Lancashire in the role of Jean Whittaker in the forthcoming world premiere of James Graham's Labour of Love.

Greig stepped into the role during rehearsals; Lancashire has withdrawn from the West End production on doctor’s advice.

Greig will star opposite Martin Freeman's David Lyons. Jeremy Herrin's production also features Rachael Stirling as Elizabeth Lyons, Kwong Loke as Mr. Shen, Dickon Tyrrell as Len Prior, and Susan Wokoma as Margot Midler.

Previews for Labour of Love begin September 27 prior to an official opening October 3 at the Noel Coward Theatre. Performances continue through December 2.

The political comedy reunites Graham and director Herrin following their previous collaboration on Headlong’s This House, which was recently revived at the Garrick Theatre, following its earlier acclaimed run at the National Theatre.

Labour of Love concerns Labour MP David Lyons, who cares about modernization and electability. “His constituency agent, Jean Whittaker cares about principles and her community,” according to press notes. “Set away from the Westminster bubble in the party's traditional northern heartlands, this is a clash of philosophy, culture and class against the backdrop of the Labour Party over 25 years, as it moves from Kinnock through Blair into Corbyn... and beyond?”

The production will have set and costume design by Lee Newby, lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Paul Arditti, and video and projection design by Duncan McLean.

For ticket information visit LabourofLovethePlay.co.uk.

Take a first look at a current London production, the new musical Some Lovers by Burt Bacharach and Steven Sater: