Afternoon:
14°c
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
NEW: Taxpayers have been handed a £143,000 bill for protecting BNP leader Nick Griffin during his appearance on Question Time, it has emerged
More...
Fit-again Billie back on stage
08.03.07
Back on stage: Billie Piper in Treats
Related links
Look here too
Billie Piper returned to the West End stage after missing two performances of her new show Treats.
The play, by Christopher Hampton, is due to formally open at the Garrick Theatre today, a week later than originally planned.
On Tuesday, at one of the preview performances, the former Dr Who star failed to appear on stage.
But last night she seemed fit and well as she took to the stage in front of a full house.
Ten days ago, the actress missed another preview performance after collapsing shortly before she was meant to appear on stage.
Danielle Robinson, spokeswoman for the star, said earlier today: "She was off last night on doctor's orders because she wasn't very well.
"She saw a doctor yesterday and was diagnosed with a bug."
Piper is the latest star to fall ill while performing in the West End.
The Sound of Music star Connie Fisher will be absent from the hit production for the next fortnight after damaging a vocal chord.
Fisher, who has proved a huge draw with audiences after winning the part in a BBC talent show, has missed several performances over recent months through ill health.
Richard Griffiths, appearing as a psychiatrist treating Daniel Radcliffe in Equus, has also been recovering from the flu.
Piper co-stars in Treats with new boyfriend Laurence Fox, while ex-husband Chris Evans came along to watch Monday night's performance.
Tonight, Piper said she had fully recovered while signing autographs for fans who gathered after the performance.
She said: "I'm very well. I had gastric flu but I'm better now."
She then pulled on a cycle helmet and climbed onto the back of Fox's motorbike before the pair sped off.
Concerns were sparked for the former pop star's health after she was seen sobbing in the street with Evans.
She recently said: "It's really hard in the theatre and the level of concentration is terrible. I'm still working it out and trying to find my feet.
"The first thing you think about in the day is the play but it's seven hours before you do it.
"I'm quite stressed out and I'm having a tough time. I'm still very green."
A spokeswoman has denied reports that Fox, son of the actor James Fox, and Piper are about to announce an engagement.
Jane McKay, 55, from London, said she enjoyed Piper's performance.
"I think she could have a meatier role. She's a very accomplished young actress and I think she's got a lot more to do."
Another audience member, Jill Towner, from Cambridge, said: "It was a tough one for her West End performance but I thought she was very good.
"It's not easy for three people to fill a stage for two hours. I thought they were all very good."
Do you think theatregoers should pay the full amount if the star is replaced by an understudy? Email us at letters@standard.co.uk
Related articles
