Frankie Bridge is to make her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story as she replaces Sophia Bush who is forced to cut short her scheduled stint following a hospital stay
Frankie Bridge is to make her West End debut in 2:22 Ghost Story.
It was announced on Friday that the Saturdays singer Frankie, 34, will replace American actress Sophia Bush, 41, who starred as Lauren in the play.
One Tree Hill actress Sophia has been forced to cut short her scheduled stint, following a hospital stay.
Sophia has been suffering with an illness since becoming unwell in June, and has jetted home to the USA for medical treatment, upon the advice of doctors.
Frankie Bridge will perform at London’s Apollo theatre alongside Jaime Winstone, who stars as Jenny, from August until the end of the run on 17 September.
Debut! Frankie Bridge, 34, is to make her West End debut in 2:22 Ghost Story, replacing American actress Sophia Bush, 41, who played Lauren in the play
Excited! On joining the cast, Frankie shared the news to her Instagram
Oh no! One Tree Hill actress Sophia has been forced to cut short her stint, following a hospital stay after suffering with an illness since becoming unwell in June
A statement from the producers said: ‘Due to illness, Sophia Bush has unfortunately had to withdraw from the production. We are delighted to welcome Frankie Bridge to the 2:22 family.
‘Our talented understudies Gemma Yates and Allie Dart have been covering the role of Lauren on rotation. We are hugely grateful to them for stepping up so brilliantly. They will continue until Frankie begins.’
Sophie Bush added: ‘I am truly gutted that my time in 2:22 A Ghost Story has come to an unexpected and early end. I came down with a virus in June and have not been able to bring my body back to a baseline.
‘After weeks of being intermittently pulled off stage, visiting multiple doctors and spending a night in the Emergency Room, I’ve been advised by expert healthcare specialists that I needed to end my time on stage and be under the care of my doctors at home in the US.
‘I owe a debt of gratitude to my incredible cast mates and to every member of our extraordinary company, who became fast family. It means the world to me that so many fans traveled to London to see the show.
‘If you’re booked for future nights, please still go and support my brilliant costars. They will blow you away! And I know that Frankie Bridge will be astounding as she makes Lauren her own through the rest of this run.
‘There is no greater experience than the stage. I miss it madly. I love it deeply. And I cannot wait for the next one.’
Sophia starred as Brooke Davis in CW drama One Tree Hill before going on to secure roles in Chicago PD and medical drama Good Sam.
The new line-up: Frankie Bridge will perform at London’s Apollo theatre alongside Jaime Winstone , who stars as Jenny, from August until the end of the run on 17 September
On joining the cast, Frankie shared the news to her Instagram, posting the promotional photographs as she gushed: ‘I’ve loved 2:22 A Ghost Story since I first saw it, so landing the role of Lauren is a total dream come true.
‘Never one to do things by halves, it’s an honour to be making my West End debut on such a clever, suspense-filled production and I couldn’t be more excited to join the cast who have already made me feel like a part of the family.’
She added in an official statement: ‘Lauren is a joy to play with so many layers and emotions to explore. I can’t wait for you to meet her!’
2:22 A Ghost Story follows Jenny who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it.
They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Belief and scepticism clash, so they agree to stay until 2.22am.
