Keira Knightley to Make West End Debut in The Misanthrope

Keira Knightley will make her West End debut in Martin Crimp's version of Molière's comedy The Misanthrope, directed by Thea Sharrock. The production, which features Damian Lewis in the leading role, will begin performances at the Comedy Theatre on December 7 with the official opening set for December 17.

Knightley has established herself as a versatile screen actress with such film credits as Bend It Like Beckham, Atonement, The Duchess, The Edge of Love, Domino, The Jacket, Pride and Prejudice and as the feisty Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. She has recently completed filming on the movies Never Let Me Go and London Boulevard.

Lewis made his name in Steven Spielberg’s mini-series Band of Brothers. His most recent theater credits include Pillars of the Community at the National Theatre and Five Gold Rings at the Almeida. His film work includes Dreamcatcher, An Unfinished Life, The Escapist, Chromophobia and Stormbreaker. His television credits include the remake of The Forsyte Saga, Confessions of a Diary Secretary and the NBC series Life.

Knightley and Lewis will be joined by Tara Fitzgerald and Dominic Rowan in a version of tha play that transports 17th-century Paris to modern-day London.

The Misanthrope follows Alceste (Lewis), a famous British playwright, who is disillusioned and angry with the hypocrisy, shallowness and vanity of the contemporary world. Vowing to reject society, Alceste's plans are derailed when he falls madly in love with Jennifer (Knightley). An ambitious American film star and darling of the social scene, she may prove to be his biggest challenge yet.