Sewell & Dexter Open Today in Macbeth

British film star Rufus Sewell, who has not performed on stage in four years, makes his West End return tomorrow in impresario Thelma Holt's production of Macbeth, which opens at the Queen's Theatre (following previews from 24 February) for a limited 14-week run. Sewell takes the title role in the Shakespearean drama, playing opposite Sally Dexter as 'Lady Macbeth'.

Sewell, one of the so-called 'Brit-hip' young actors, appeared last year in the London-based romantic film comedy Martha - Meet Frank, Daniel and Lawrence as well as the sci-fi thriller Dark City. Previous period film dramas have included Middlemarch, Cold Comfort Farm, Carrington and The Woodlanders. He was last seen on stage in the 1995 Royal Court production of Ron Hutchinson's Rat in the Skull. Other theatre credits include the National Theatre production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia and Brian Friel's Translations. In 1992, Sewell won the Critics Circle Award for Best Newcomer for his role in James Saunder's Making It Better at the Criterion Theatre.

Co-star Dexter was nominated for Best Actress in the 1998 Laurence Olivier Awards for her performance in Patrick Marber's Closer at the National Theatre. Other stage credits include the role of 'Nancy' in the revival of Lionel Bart's Oliver! at the London Palladium. Sewell and Dexter are joined in the cast by Martin Marquez, Simon Chandler, Declan Conlon, Billy Carter, Robert Patterson, Simon Meacock, Robin McCaffrey, Polly Pritchett and Peter Bayliss.

Macbeth is directed by John Crowley whose recent production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods at the Donmar Warehouse was nominated for an Olivier for Outstanding Musical Production. Crowley's production of Shadows for the RSC is currently playing at the Barbican.

Macbeth is designed by Jeremy Herbert with costumes by Laura Hopkins and lighting by Rick Fisher. It is produced by Thelma Holt, whose last West End production was the award-winning revival of A Doll's House, starring Janet McTeer, in 1997.

Macbeth arrives in the West End following brief runs in Bath and Sheffield. It continues at the Queen's until 5 June.

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