Theatre News

Kristin Scott Thomas plays Queen in West End Audience revival

Peter Morgan’s play will run concurrently in London and New York

Kristin Scott Thomas at the press night of Electra
Kristin Scott Thomas at the press night of Electra
© Dan Wooller

Kristin Scott Thomas will play The Queen in a new West End version of Peter Morgan's
award-winning play The Audience next year.

The production will run in tandem with the Broadway premiere starring Helen Mirren, who originated the role in the West End last year.

Helen Mirren in The Audience in 2013
Helen Mirren in The Audience in 2013
© Johan Persson

The Audience will open at the Apollo Theatre on 5 May 2015, two days before the general election, following previews from 21 April. It's currently booking until 25 July 2015.

Morgan's play, which originally ran at the Gielgud Theatre, imagines a series of pivotal meetings between various prime ministers and the Queen.

Morgan will reportedly "re-write" The Audience for its second London run to introduce former PM Tony Blair, who didn't appear originally. And the creative team, including director Stephen Daldry, will "keep an eye" on the election outcome in case they need to add a scene for Ed Miliband.

Scott Thomas can currently be seen on stage in the Old Vic's critically acclaimed production of Electra. Previously she has been seen in the West End in Ian Rickson's productions of The Seagull, Betrayal and Old Times, Jonathan Kent's production of As You Desire Me and Michael Blakemore’s production of Three Sisters, both at the Playhouse Theatre.

Tickets for The Audience are on sale now.