Spacey's Old Vic play postponed

Amid a storm of publicity, Spacey took charge of the Old Vic in 2003

The premiere of a West End play directed by Kevin Spacey has been delayed for nine days.

Complicit at the Old Vic, starring US actor Richard Dreyfuss, will now open its run on 28 January.

A spokesman said "more development time" was needed, but declined to comment on reports that Dreyfuss has been prompted during preview runs.

The 61-year-old was axed from The Producers' London show four years ago before he started performances.

'Brilliant actor'

In 2004, a statement said he had withdrawn from the production because he was unable "to fulfil the rigours of the role" because of a shoulder injury.

When he accepted his role in Complicit, Dreyfuss said: "I'm very excited to have a chance of not being fired before the opening."

Dreyfuss and Spacey on Complicit

The Old Vic spokesman added that this was a world premiere, and producers wanted to make extra refinements before it was scrutinised by critics.

Oscar winner Spacey, who is the theatre's artistic director, called Dreyfuss "a brilliant actor" when he was announced in the leading role.

"It's great that he's coming to London and I think audiences are in for a real treat," he added.

The star, best known for his screen roles in Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, plays a prize-winning journalist who comes before the US Supreme Court.

Complicit is due to run until 21 February.