Spacey & Dreyfuss in earpiece controversy
KEVIN SPACEY is at the centre of controversy over his recently postponed London play - amid accusations the show's star RICHARD DREYFUSS has to be fed his lines through an earpiece.
The premiere of the Spacey-directed Complicit was due to take place at the city's Old Vic theatre, where the Hollywood star is artistic director, on Monday (19Jan09).
But opening night was pushed back until the following week (28Jan09) because the show needs "more development time", according to a spokesperson.
And now Jaws star Dreyfuss has been accused of failing to learn his lines properly and being told what to say on stage through an earpiece, according to British newspaper the Daily Telegraph.
Theatregoers, who were invited to preview performances of the show, have savaged Dreyfuss' performance, with angry fans commenting online over his alleged decision to wear an earpiece.
One fan writes on theatre website Whatsonstage.com, "This is worse than awful and Dreyfuss is having his lines fed to him through an earpiece. You have been warned."
In 2004 Dreyfuss was axed from London production of The Producers before he started performances, with the 61-year-old actor claiming he was unable "to fulfil the rigours of the role" due to a shoulder injury. .
A spokesperson for Dreyfuss could not be reached for comment as WENN went to press.