Pattied

Theatre-speak for an actor being the victim of the producer's breach of contract promising that the actor would play the same part (usually a leading role) in a foreign production of the same show. Derives from Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous firing of Broadway star Patti LuPone in 1994 from his musical 'Sunset Boulevard'. Lloyd Webber had promised LuPone that she would originate her leading role in London and on Broadway, but subsequently reneged on the contract and fired her from the show in London, meaning that Glenn Close took her place in Broadway production. The scandal hit the headlines and LuPone was paid a substantial financial settlement for Lloyd Webber's breach of contract.