This time, though, she has said that she hopes to return to the show before the run ends. Ali McInnes, her understudy, will perform in her place.

The musical transferred from the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, and is directed by Ian Talbot. Hall joined the cast as Mother Lord. The show, with a book by Arthur Kopit, is based on The Philadelphia Story — and this production quickly follows the Old Vic’s staging of that play starring Kevin Spacey.

Graham Bickley, whose West End credits include Ragtime (which bagged him an Olivier Award nomination) and The Pajama Game, plays Dexter Haven. Katherine Kingsley is Tracy Lord. Kingsley is a relative newcomer who graduated from drama school in 2003; she was previously seen in the West End in Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens. And, Paul Robinson, best known for his Olivier-nominated turn in Singin’ in the Rain at the National Theatre, plays Mike Connor.

The cast also includes Ria Jones (Liz Imbrie), James Jordan (Seth Lord), Royston Kean (Uncle Willie), Claire Redcliffe (Dinah Lord) and Bryan Torfeh (George Kittredge). Set and costume designs are by Paul Farnsworth, musical direction by James Dunsmore, choreography by Gillian Gregory and lighting design by Jason Taylor.

The show is produced by Mark Goucher Productions, and is booking through March 25, 2006.