Madonna's West End debut suffers delay

The tickets sold out long ago, but filling the theatre is the only part of Madonna's West End stage debut that is going to plan.

"Technical problems" have forced the producers to cancel the first three performances of the play Up For Grabs, by David Williamson, about an art dealer prepared to go to any lengths to sell a painting. It will now open on 13 May.

With a star like Mrs Guy Ritchie, the announcement yesterday immediately prompted speculation that her own determination to prove a serious theatrical performer was contributing to the delay. The script has reportedly already been adjusted to Americanise her role, and her character has been renamed.

A spokeswoman insisted that creating a complicated set in an old theatre, Wyndham's, was to blame. Extra shows would be added to the end of the run to give all ticket-holders a chance to catch it, she said.