Rebus play halted as actor Charles Lawson falls ill on stage at the King’s Theatre

The opening night of ‘Rebus: Long Shadows’ at the King’s Theatre was halted last night when lead actor Charles Lawson fell ill and was unable to continue.

Midway through the second half, during a scene with John Stahl who plays Edinburgh criminal Big Ger Cafferty and Cathy Tyson who plays Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke Mr Lawson called for a number of line prompts before saying: “I’m sorry, I think I’m going to faint”.

He was helped off the stage as the audience, which included Rebus creator Ian Rankin, responded with a spontaneous round of applause and were asked to remain seated as the house lights were turned on.

After a 15-minute break, the play resumed with understudy Neil McKinven who read from the scrip and he received a great reception at the curtain call.

The production continues at the King’s Theatre all week to Saturday but it is not known at this time whether Mr Lawson will be able to perform.

Rebus: Long Shadows
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street EH3 9LQ. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000
Monday 8 – Saturday 13 October 2018.
Evenings: 7.30pm, matinees Wed, Sat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/rebus