SHAKESPEARE’S unluckiest play is living up to its reputation at the Everyman theatre, whose production of Macbeth has lost one of its two major stars.

Jemma Redgrave cited “personal reasons” for quitting the role of Lady Macbeth less than three weeks before opening night.

The 46-year-old mother-of-two will be replaced by Cheshire actor Julia Ford, who will immediately join Liverpool-born David Morrissey in rehearsals.

Director Gemma Bodinetz said: “We are terribly sad to lose Jemma and she leaves the rehearsal room with our very best wishes.

“In Julia, we are blessed with a wonderful actress who I have no doubt will give us a powerful and electrifying Lady Macbeth.

“David, the company and I very much look forward to welcoming her into rehearsals”.

The production will open on May 6 as planned, as the last long-running show before the theatre’s demolition and subsequent redevelopment in July.

Redgrave was to have become the third generation of her family to act on the Liverpool stage.

Her grandfather, Michael Redgrave, began his distinguished career at the Playhouse as a member of its repertory company in the 1930s when he met his wife, Rachel Kempson.