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A Tony winner for his role in Alan Bennett's "The History Boys," Richard Griffiths has stepped into the writer's new play "The Habit of Art" at London's National Theater, following Michael Gambon's departure from the production due to health issues.

Griffiths will play an actor cast in the role of W.H. Auden in "The Habit," which is set in a rehearsal room as the cast works through a play about an encounter between the poet and composer Benjamin Britten (Alex Jennings). Griffiths' fellow "History Boys" alum Frances de la Tour also stars.

National a.d. Nicholas Hytner directs the show, opening Nov. 17. The Bennett play also is scheduled during the London run to be broadcast to theaters around the world as part of the NT Live program.