Fiennes, Chaplin and Shaw Set for Starring Roles at National Theatre

National Theatre Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner informally revealed future plans for the theater at a press conference today, including a new play by David Hare and performances by Ben Chaplin, Fiona Shaw and Ralph Fiennes.

Hytner would not reveal details about the subject, title or timing of Hare's play—"it's in the hands of the Gods"—but confirmed that their long working relationship would continue. When Hytner directed Hare's Stuff Happens in 2004, there were reports afterward that Hare was disenchanted by the fact that the National failed to extend its run or bring it back. Another play, His Dark Materials, was already committed to the open at the Olivier. Hytner admitted frankly, "He was pissed off, and we were sorry." Previously, the National produced Hare's trilogy of plays about the British church, state and judiciary Racing Demon, The Absence of War and Murmuring Judges between 1990 and 1993, as well as Amy's View originally produced in 1997, A Map of the World 1982, The Secret Rapture 1988, Skylight 1995 and The Permanent Way 2003. Hare's next play, The Vertical Hour, will have its world premiere on Broadway in a production starring Julianne Moore and directed by Sam Mendes, opening November 30.

Chaplin will star as TV journalist James Mossman in Nicholas Wright's new play The Reporter, the true story of Mossman's suicide. Former National Artistic Director Richard Eyre will return to direct.

Fiennes will reunite with director Jonathan Kent to star in Oedipus, which will be staged at the National and then embark on a national tour. Kent most recently directed Fiennes on Broadway in Faith Healer. Their previous collaborations include Hamlet an Almeida production that subsequently transferred to Broadway and the double bill of Richard II and Coriolanus, which later ran at BAM.

Shaw will star as Winnie in a revival of Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, directed by Deborah Warner. The two have worked together at the National on Richard II Shaw played title role and The Powerbook as well as productions of Medea both in London and on Broadway and Beckett's Footfalls at the Garrick Theatre.

Emma Rice, Artistic Director of Kneehigh Theatre Company whose production of Tristan and Yseult was a big hit at the National, will return to put on a stage version of the 1946 film classic A Matter of Life and Death at the Olivier.

Hytner revealed that he will direct a new production of George Etherege's 1676 play The Man of Mode at the Olivier next year, as well as a new play by Ayub Khan-Din whose Royal Court hit East is East subsequently became a film at the Lyttelton.