Joel Harper-Jackson will take over the role of M in Mike Bartlett’s razor sharp, hilarious play COCK until the end of the run.
The part was originally played in this production by Taron Egerton, who has had to withdraw from the production due to personal reasons. Joel understudied the role and has been playing the part of M for the past ten days while Taron was absent from the production having tested positive for Covid.
Director Marianne Elliott said: ‘Joel is an absolute hero. He is a brilliant and gifted actor and stepped into the role at extremely short notice. Audiences have been standing and cheering and so am I.’
Jonathan Bailey added: ‘Joel is an immense talent and we couldn’t be luckier to have him on board. I am proud to continue sharing the stage with him.’
COCK is running at the Ambassadors Theatre in London until Saturday 4 June 2022.
The Olivier Award-winning Jonathan Bailey, who plays John in the production, is currently starring in the Netflix blockbuster, Bridgerton.
The full cast of COCK is now: Jonathan Bailey (John), Joel Harper-Jackson (M), Jade Anouka (W) and Phil Daniels (F).
The understudies are: Dominic Holmes (John and M), Jessica Whitehurst (W) and John Vernon (F).
The creative team for is: Director Marianne Elliott, Designer Merle Hensel, Lighting Designer Paule Constable, Sound Designer Ian Dickinson, Composer Femi Temowo, Movement Director Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster, Casting Director Charlotte Sutton, Vocal Coach Hazel Holder and Associate Director Chloe Christian.