Preview performances of Madonna's long awaited West End stage debut have been postponed because of technical hold-ups, producers have announced.

The complex staging of her production Up For Grabs has meant the first preview will not take place until 13 May.

Ticket-holders for the cancelled shows are being offered alternative dates, with three extra performances added.

The axed shows, at Wyndhams Theatre on 9-11 May, will be replaced by performances on 13 May, 6 July and 13 July.

A statement said: "The production has developed into a complex synchronicity between moving set, sound, music and projection and realising it in an older style theatre like the Wyndhams has increased necessary technical time."

Ticket holders will be offered either tickets for one of the extra shows or a refund.

It is not the first hitch to disrupt plans for the production - daytime performances were dropped due to the singer's recording commitments.

Up For Grabs, written by Australian David Williamson, is a satire on the art world.

It broke box office records when it opened in Sydney in February 2001.

The play, which has a cast of seven, will be directed by Laurence Boswell, whose recent credits include A Day In The Life Of Joe Egg and Popcorn, by Ben Elton.

After the previews, it will formally open on 23 May.