Simon Russell Beale Reveals TITUS ANDRONICUS Departure Was Due to Cancer

Simon Russell Beale has revealed that his exit from Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Titus Andronicus in September 2026 was due to colon cancer. 

BroadwayWorld previously reported that due to ill health, Simon Russell Beale departed the production, and John Hodgkinson would be stepping in. The statement at the time read:

"Unfortunately, due to ill health, Simon Russell Beale has had to step back from the RSC / Hampstead Theatre production of Titus Andronicus to give him time to recover. The role of Titus Andronicus will now be played by John Hodgkinson with performances commencing on 15 September. Simon Russell Beale wishes John and the company all the very best for the run."

Director, Max Webster adds: “As a company we’re all so sorry that Simon Russell Beale has had to step back from his role in Titus Andronicus. We all want to send him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. At the same time, I am thrilled and immensely grateful to welcome the extremely talented John Hodgkinson, who has stepped in at short notice to take on the iconic role and to join our remarkable company.”

At an event at The Delaunay in Covent Garden this week, Beale revealed his cancer diagnosis, saying “broke [his] heart” to leave the role.

He will return to the stage to narrate Greg Doran's production of Shakespeare's great poem Venus & Adonis, animated by a team of world-class puppeteers. Greg Doran: Venus & Adonis by William Shakespeare will be performed Tuesday 23 — Saturday 27 June 2026 at The Pit.