A performance of the touring musical Legally Blonde at Milton Keynes Theatre was cancelled on Thursday with less than two hours' notice due to cast illness. The cancellation came a day after star Amber Davies, 29, announced she was stepping down from her role as Elle Woods because of a lingering illness.
The theatre's official Instagram account posted: "This afternoon's matinee performance of Legally Blonde has unfortunately been cancelled due to cast illness. All ticket holders have been contacted by email." The box office confirmed that evening performances were still scheduled to go ahead and apologised for any inconvenience.
The news sparked frustration among ticket holders. One fan wrote: "Whilst I hope the cast and crew are well, this was absolutely not enough notice for those who travelled here!" Another said: "We've not even had an offer of a refund, only a credit voucher which isn't ideal!" A third added: "I hope everyone is okay but genuinely devastated as I had planned this for months!"
Davies, who rose to fame on Love Island and later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, posted an update on Instagram explaining her decision. She said: "After talking to my DR, being on antibiotics and trying to recover whilst doing shows is getting me and my health NOWHERE. ... I fear if I keep 'pushing through' I will be battling with this for longer than I need to be." She also acknowledged her demanding schedule, having gone from Gatsby to Strictly to Legally Blonde.
In her absence, understudy Hannah Lowther, a TikTok star with over one million followers, will take over the role. Lowther, who typically plays Margot, has been standing in for Davies on her scheduled day off. Reports of backstage tension have emerged, with an insider telling the Daily Mail that audiences have favoured Lowther's interpretation of Elle. However, Lowther has previously expressed admiration for her co-star.
