The Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Euripides Hecuba was to have played the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at their Stratford base. However, it will now run from March 26 to May 7 at London’s Albery Theatre (several performances have been added to the Albery’s previously published schedule to help make up the shortfall).

Redgrave, whose brother Corin is playing King Lear for the company at the Albery from Jan. 13, is taking the time away to recover from an operation. The nature of the operation was not announced in the press release, but at a recent cameo appearance in Romeo And Juliet at the Playhouse Theatre, the actress was observed walking with a limp, supported on a fellow actor’s arm.

Redgrave said in the release, “I am very disappointed that I can’t play Hecuba at Stratford-Upon-Avon, and that audiences who’ve made their bookings won’t be able to see the play there. I am grateful though that the RSC season in London gives time for me to fully recover from an operation, and that I can perform Hecuba at the end of March at the Albery Theatre. I am amazed by Tony Harrison’s translation of Euripides, and by Laurence Boswell’s vision of the play and so glad that I still have the chance to work with the company of Hecuba.”

As the statement intimates, Boswell will direct a new translation by Harrison. Es Devlin designs. Lighting is by Adam Silverman, with sound by Mic Pool. Music is by Mick Sands and movement directed by Gary Sefton. Heather Habens choreographs. The cast also includes Charlotte Allam, Jane Arden, Rosalie Craig, Masie Dimbleby, Alan Dobie, Darrell D’Silva, Barbara Gellhorn, Aileen Gonsalves, Lydia Leonard, Michele Moran, Sasha Oakley, Katherine O’Shea, Judith Paris, Sarah Quist, Christopher Terry and Natalie Turner-Jones.

RST performances to replace the lost Hecuba dates will be announced shortly. Stratford patrons who need further information of re-arranging tickets should call (0)1789 403437.