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Richard Griffiths will replace Michael Gambon, who has withdrawn for health reasons, in the National Theatre production of Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art. Nicholas Hytner is directing the production, which begins previews on November 5. Griffiths will play poet WH Auden opposite Alex Jennings as Benjamin Britten.

The play examines the stormy relationship between Britten and Auden, imagining a meeting between the former friends, 25 years after they last saw each other. The cast also features Frances de la Tour, Adrian Scarborough, John Heffernan, Elliot Levey, and Stephen Wight. The production is designed by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis.

For further information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.