Nathan Lane (left) starred alongside Lee Evans in The Producers

The US actor had been due to play the role of Max Bialystock at London's Theatre Royal until 8 January.

But Lane was "advised that he should abstain from any further performances for the remainder of his London contract," a spokesman said.

Lane took on the role in November after actor Richard Dreyfuss pulled out.

Film planned

Dreyfuss blamed recent back surgery and a shoulder injury for his decision to quit the show, and was replaced by Lane at short notice.

Lane, 48, won a Tony award for the role in the Broadway version of the musical, which opened in 2001 and was awarded an unprecedented 12 Tony Awards.

He is also due to reprise the role in the Hollywood film of The Producers, alongside actors Matthew Broderick and Will Ferrell.

Dreyfuss pulled out of the London show before its November debut

The show's spokesman said Lane was expected to recover in six weeks, enabling him to start shooting the film version at the end of February.

His role will be played by actor Cory English until 10 January, when Brad Oscar will take over the part as scheduled.

"Cory English has already played the role with great success for the five performances Nathan Lane has already missed due to his condition," the spokesman said.

These included a royal performance of the Mel Brooks show, watched by the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles before Christmas.