New plot twist in Madonna show

It has been hailed as a theatrical highlight of the year boasting one of the most famous women in the world as its lead actress. But despite tickets selling out within hours for up to five times the asking price, Madonna's eagerly awaited West End debut in the comedy Up For Grabs has been plagued by a string of problems.

Firstly there was the delicate issue of the singer's gruelling schedule causing the unprecedented cancellation of all matinee performances.

Then there were reports of her reassuringly diva-like behaviour, including requests to raise the stage by up to five feet to create a suitable distance between her and front-row fans as well as major changes to the script.

Thirdly, a question mark was raised over her health as photographs of the actress caressing her tummy fuelled reports of a pregnancy while her exhausting rehearsal schedule left her pale, drawn and nodding off in her car as she was driven home.

Now, however, the rumour mill is working over time following the latest setback. The first three performances of her debut in the artworld comedy, due to open next week, have been cancelled at the 11th hour.

The move has prompted inevitable speculation that the star, who has not appeared on stage for more than 13 years, is not prepared and not yet ready to face the critics.

However, the Wyndham Theatre said that the performances were being postponed rather than cancelled and had been caused by production problems.

A spokesman said: "Everybody in the cast has been very accommodating. The production has developed into a complex synchronicity between moving set, sound, music and projection and realising it in an older-style theatre like the Wyndham's has increased necessary technical time."

The 44-year-old star, who is receiving about £10,000 a week, has made it clear that she is keen to win recognition as a serious stage actress after a string of film flops including Shanghai Surprise. However, the production has continually been overshadowed by the flood of rumours surrounding her behaviour. As well as reportedly requesting changes to the theatre to accommodate her, the singer has also made changes to the script.

These include "Americanising" her role, moving the setting from Sydney to New York and choosing a different name for her character.

With appropriate understatement, author David Williamson said recently: "It will be a different play by the time Madonna hits the stage." Mr Williamson, who is hoping that the play will eventually transfer from the West End to Broadway, said: "I think she's a very, very good actor."

The singer is also reportedly concerned about roadworks outside the theatre in Charing Cross Road which she fears will make it difficult to make a quick get-away after performances.

There have been tales of diva-esque tantrums, including one occasion in which she flew into a rage when a co-star made the mistake of calling her Madge instead of her preferred "M".

The play tells the tale of Loren, played by Madonna, who is an art dealer prepared to go to any lengths to sell a painting. Loren sleeps with a prospective buyer, a bisexual woman, in front of her husband and offers herself to a married male art collector in a bid to clinch an important deal.

Ticket holders who paid up to £150 for one of next week's performances may be reassured to learn that they will be offered seats on new dates that will be added to the two-month run of the production.

Madonna is the latest in a string of Hollywood actors to appear on a West End stage. Others include Nicole Kidman, Kevin Spacey, Macaulay Culkin and Kathleen Turner. Matt Damon is previewing in This Is Our Youth at The Garrick.

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