'The Producers' male lead pulls out

Nathan Lane has had to pull out of West End show The Producers because of two slipped discs.

Lane, who plays the character of Max Bialystock in the Mel Brooks show, has had to be replaced by an understudy.

The show has been fraught with problems ever since it opened in Drury Lane on November 9. Richard Dreyfuss, who was supposed to play Max in the first place, had to drop out three weeks before the show started after fears that he was not fit enough to perform.

To add to the excitement, Nicole Kidman then dropped out of the movie version of the show this month because of a hectic work schedule.

A spokesperson said: "Suffering from two newly-slipped discs, Nathan Lane and the producers of The Producers have been advised that he should abstain from any further performances for the remainder of his London contract," according to Sky News.

Lane's part will now be played by Corey English until January 10 when he will be replaced by Brad Oscar as planned.