Finty Williams to star in Pack of Lies role originated by mum Judi Dench

Judi Dench and Michael Williams starred in the original cast and now their daughter Finty Williams has been announced for the revival of Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in October.

Williams will be joined by Jasper Britton in the play which, inspired by real-life events, tells of a middle-aged couple whose best friends are their Canadian neighbours. When a detective asks to use their house while he watches a Soviet spy ring, the Jacksons are forced to decide whether to betray their friends or their country.

Whitemore adapted Pack of Lies from Act of Betrayal which was part of the Play for Today television series. This production is the first London production after it premiered at the Lyric Theatre in 1983, with Dench receiving an Olivier Award for her performance.

Whitemore is the author of plays including Stevie, Breaking the Code, The Best of Friends and It's Ralph. He died this year in July at the age of 82.

Williams' credits include The Divide (The Old Vic), Blithe Spirit (The Mill at Sonning) and The Vote (Donmar Warehouse). Most recently seen in Jerusalem at the Watermill, Britton returns to the Menier Chocolate Factory having previously appeared in Little Shop of Horrors. Other stage credits include Scrooge and What the Butler Saw at Curve Leicester and The Libertine at Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Hannah Chissick (Side Show, Southwark Playhouse) directs the play, which will run from 1 October to 17 November with previews from 20 September.