Freddie Fox replaces Richard Madden’s understudy in Romeo and Juliet after both suffer leg injuries

The actor has been drafted in to star in Kenneth Branagh's production at the Garrick
Drafted in: Freddie Fox will now take on the lead role in Romeo and Juliet
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby26 July 2016
The Weekender

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Freddie Fox will star in Kenneth Branagh’s production of Romeo and Juliet after both Richard Madden and his understudy were forced to pull out.

The 27-year-old will join the cast of the new production at the Garrick Theatre on Tuesday after an ‘unfortunate set of circumstances’ left the play without a male lead.

Game of Thrones star Madden, who led the cast in the role of Romeo opposite Lily James’ Juliet, had to take a break from the show after hurting his ankle during a run.

Bizarrely, his understudy Tom Hanson, who had stepped in to replace him, has now also hurt his leg and has had to withdraw from the role.

Branagh said that he was “thrilled” to have Fox on board, adding that “sometimes things do not go according to plan in the theatre.”

He continued: "Who would have predicted both Richard and Tom would sustain such unexpected injuries during the same run?

“Our job is to help make sure they both make the best recovery possible, whilst working as hard as we can to provide a great show for audiences."

Madden has released a statement, saying: “It has been hugely frustrating and sad that I have not been able to perform in the show, but my ankle is getting better and I will be returning soon.

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"I wanted to say a big thank you to Tom for covering me so brilliantly and I hope that he too recovers from his injury soon.

“I also wanted to say a massive thanks to Freddie for stepping in to help, I know that he is going to be fantastic.”

Romeo and Juliet runs at the Garrick until August 13.

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