Barrymore walks out of theatre gigs

Michael Barrymore has dramatically pulled out of his West End comeback show.

He cancelled last night's show - only the fourth night in a six-week run - just minutes before he was due to go on stage.

Disappointed fans were turned away from the Wyndham's Theatre after the 51-year-old comic reportedly told producers he couldn't go on.

Barrymore told the Mirror: "The pressure of the last two years has taken its toll."

And one of his friends told London's Evening Standard : "Although he has been mauled by the newspapers he always thought that the British public were behind him. But the show was not getting a good response from the audience and the tickets weren't selling well. "

Barrymore was hoping the run would repair his tarnished reputation after Stuart Lubbock's body was foundin his swimming pool in 2001.

He may have to pay compensation to the producers, who booked the theatre for the full run.

The theatre plays host to Lenny Henry (tickets) and Bill Bailey (tickets) later this autumn.

Published: 19 Sep 2003