Taron Egerton leaves cast of Cock in West End for “personal reasons”

Taron Egerton has departed the cast of Cock in the West End.

Joel Harper-Jackson will takeover the role of M in the new revival of Mike Bartlett’s show which started performances in March at the Ambassadors Theatre.

In a statement, the show announced that Egerton was leaving the company for “personal reasons”.

They said: “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 extreme!), short notice. Audiences have been standing and cheering and so am I.”

Co-star Jonathan Bailey added: “Joel is an immense to/eat and we couldn’t be luckier to have him on board. I an proud to continue sharing the stage with him.”

The news follows Egerton fainting during the show’s first preview with Harper-Jackson stepping in to finish the show.

Cock continues at the Ambassadors Theatre in London through to 4 June. Tickets are on sale now here.

Also on the cast are Jade Anouka and Phil Daniels.

Marianne Elliott (Comoany) directs with design by Merle Hansel, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Ian Dickson, composition by Femi Temowo, movement by Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster, associate direction by Chloe Christian, voice work by Hazel Holder and Casting by Charlotte Sutton.