Video

Samantha Bond: 'Florian Zeller writes parts that are immensely appealing to actors'

Following their collaboration on ”The Truth”, Lindsay Posner returns to the Menier to direct Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of Zeller’s ”The Lie”

We popped into rehearsals for the UK premiere of Florian Zeller's The Lie, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory next week.

Downton Abbey star Samantha Bond stars alongside Tony Gardner, Alexandra Gilbreath, and her real-life husband Alexander Hanson – who stepped in recently following James Dreyfus' withdrawal from the production.

Zeller's play, which has been adapted by Christopher Hampton, tells the story of Alice (Bond) who spots her friend's husband with another woman. Alice believes she should tell her friend but her husband (Hanson) thinks it is better to lie.

After their production of Zeller's The Truth – which transferred to the West End and was nominated for an Olivier Award – Lindsay Posner returns to direct the piece, which will also have set design by Anna Fleischle, costume by Loren Elstein, lighting by Howard Harrison, sound by Gregory Clarke, and original music by Isobel Waller-Bridge.

Zeller's latest play follows on from previous collaborations with Hampton including The Father and The Mother at the Tricycle Theatre.

The Lie is currently in previews with an official opening night on 27 September and runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 18 November.