Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael to star in The Maids

Double Emmy Award-winner Uzo Aduba is to star in the UK premiere of the contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet's The Maids, which will open at the Trafalgar Studios in February.

The Orange is the New Black star will be joined by Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Not Safe For Work) and Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey).

The psychological thriller about two maids fantasising to kill their employer is a vicious analysis of the class system, and an exploration of gender and sexuality.

Uzo Aduba commented: "I wanted to be a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company because they're interested in doing exciting work. Jamie reinvents classic plays in a way that we've never seen before or have explored before… To be part of a play that allows for three women to mine such complex characters inside of an already rich and thrilling story, is the stuff that acting dreams are made on."

Zawe Ashton added: "Being a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company is an opportunity I've been
coveting for a long time!.. I've always been so excited by his vision as a director and to not only be collaborating with him but with two exquisite actors like Uzo and Laura on this fresh take on a classic text, is very juicy indeed."

Laura Carmichael said: "Jamie is such an exciting director. I love the way he tackles these classic plays. He has a clear vision and a passion to attract young audiences that I think is really cool."

Jamie Lloyd directs his company's first production of 2016. The contemporary adaptation by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton will also feature design by Soutra Gilmour.

Tickets for Monday performances will be priced at £15 and released monthly to the public online on the first day of each month.

The Maids opens at Trafalgar Studios on 25 February.