London Odds & Ends: Nathan Lane Circling Andrew Garfield-Led Angels In America & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Nathan Lane Circling Andrew Garfield-Led Angels In America
Nathan Lane is in talks to appear in Angels In America at the U.K.’s National Theatre. According to the Daily Mail, the two-time Tony winner is eyeing the role of loathed attorney Roy Cohn. Directed by Marianne Elliott and starring Andrew Garfield, Russell Tovey and Denise Gough, Tony Kushner's play is set to begin performances next April. Lane will start previews in The Front Page at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on September 20.

Owls Disapparate From Cursed Child
This is what happens during previews—characters owls can get cut! During the first performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Sprocket, an owl making her West End debut, got slightly lost while delivering a letter. The show’s producers have since made the decision to withdraw live owls from the production. Cursed Child officially opens on July 30.

Sheridan Smith Extends Leave from Funny Girl
Olivier winner Sheridan Smith will extend her absence from Funny Girl at West End’s Savoy Theatre. Producers of the revival said in a statement, “Sheridan’s recovery from stress and exhaustion is the absolute priority. Following medical advice, he return to the production will be slightly later than originally anticipated — no later than the week commencing July 11." Last month, it was reported that Smith would take a two to four week break. Natasha J. Barnes will continue to take on the role of Fanny Brice during the interim.

Costars Set for Debauched Libertine Dominic Cooper
We now know who will be joining stage and screen star Dominic Cooper in Stephen Jeffreys’ sexually charged Restoration piece The Libertine this fall. Ophelia Lovibond will play Elizabeth Barry, with Jasper Britton as King Charles II, Mark Hadfield as Etherege, Will Barton as Alcock, Cornelius Booth as Harris / Huysmans / Constable, Will Merrick as Billy Downs and Richard Teverson as Sackville. Directed by Terry Johnson, the production is scheduled to play a limited engagement at the West End’s prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket September 22 through December 3. Opening night is set for September 27.