Anne-Marie Duff to Headline World Premiere Drama The House of Shades at London's Almeida Theatre

Stage-and-screen star Anne-Marie Duff has been cast in the lead role of Constance in Beth Steel's forthcoming world premiere drama The House of Shades. Blanche McIntyre will direct the London production, set to begin previews on May 18 and officially open on May 26 at the Almeida Theatre.

Most recently seen on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in the title role of Sweet Charity, Duff's stage credits also include Saint Joan, Berenice, Heisenberg, Collected Stories and Macbeth. On-screen, she is known for her turn as Fiona Gallagher in Shameless.

Set against the ever-changing industrial landscape of working-class Britain, The House of Shades spans five decades of the lives and deaths of the Webster family. Inside their home, some chase dreams of a brighter future and others are haunted by the nightmares of the past.

The production will feature scenic design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Fleischle and Liam Bunster, lighting design by Richard Howell, sound design by Richard Howell and movement direction by Lucy Hind.

The House of Shades is scheduled to play a limited engagement through June 27.