Ewan McGregor's resignation from Natural Nylon because of film commitments will come as a blow to those who had hoped that this collection of young actors (Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Johnny Lee Miller, Sean Pertwee) might prove to be a marriage — between the worlds of theatre and film — made in heaven.

The company was established nearly two years ago; the only stage production seen has been Dr. Faustus, in which David Lan directed Jude Law at the Young Vic earlier this year. The play was a sell-out hit thanks to Law's presence, and though McGregor's deaprture is regrettable, Law's pulling power (reinforced by his role in Sam Mendes' "The Road To Perdition") means that his name alone would be enough to sell any future Natural Nylon productions.

The last time McGregor appeared on a West End stage was four years ago when he starred in Little Malcolm and his Struggle against the Eunuchs at Hampstead and then the Comedy.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow