Masterson pulls out of Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The director of one of the hottest plays at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe has withdrawn from the production at the last minute.

Guy Masterson, 42, pulled out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, featuring Hollywood star Christian Slater, blaming stress and family illnesses.

Masterson started planning the show after winning acclaim for his sell-out production of 12 Angry Men at last year's Edinburgh Fringe.

"I have never before felt what I am feeling," he said. "I am exhausted, physically and emotionally. It wasn't just the show, there was a lot of other stuff in my life, but the show was the thing that pushed me over the edge.

"I have been working 18-hour days and not seeing my family. My wife isn't too well and my mother is not well either - she's got heart problems."