Chicken pox hits Slater's plans
Christian Slater may miss his British stage debut after getting chicken pox.
The Hollywood star is due to open in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on August 6.
But he was taken ill yesterday and doctors confirmed today he has caught chicken pox from a fellow cast member.
The producers remain hopeful that Slater, 34, star of True Romance and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, will have recovered enough to appear on the first night.
“Felix Dexter, a member of the cast, was struck down with chicken pox in the second week of rehearsal and we had hoped that the rest of the cast had escaped it,” said producer Nica Burns.
“But yesterday Christian was taken ill and it is confirmed today that he has it.
“Despite this, Christian and company are in fantastic spirits. Whilst Christian is recovering the cast continue to rehearse and will be arriving in Edinburgh next week.”
Slater will play the lead role made famous by Jack Nicholson in the 1975 film.
The play, also starring Frances Barber and Mackenzie Crook from The Office, transfers to the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End on September 3.
The production has been beset by problems – director Guy Masterson pulled out at the last minute, blaming stress and family illnesses.
