God Save a New Queen! Kristin Scott Thomas to Lead Peter Morgan's The Audience in the West End

Another Queen will reign over the West End! Kristin Scott Thomas will play Elizabeth II in a new version of Peter Morgan’s The Audience in London. Directed by Stephen Daldry, the production will begin previews on April 21, 2015 at the Apollo Theatre. Opening night is set for May 5. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren, who originated the role in the 2013 production in London, will be leading the play on Broadway from February 17, 2015 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (unless It’s Only a Play extends and it has to find another house).

Scott Thomas has recently opened to acclaim in the title role in Sophocles' Electra at London’s Old Vic. Other West End credits include The Seagull, Betrayal, Old Times, As You Desire Me and Three Sisters.  Her film credits include Sous Ton Emprise, Une Femme Parfaite, Nowhere Boy, Only God Forgives, Bel Ami, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, Easy Virtue, The Other Boleyn Girl, Gosford Park, The Horse Whisperer, The English Patient, Mission Impossible, Angels & Insects and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said, not even to their spouses. The Audience imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister uses these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional—sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can’t help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases. These private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age, from the beginning of Elizabeth II’s reign to today.

The Audience will feature designs by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music by Paul Englishby. Further casting will be announced later.