Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James in Lyonesse, Harold Pinter Theatre

Kristin Scott Thomas (Darkest Hour) and Lily James (Pam & Tommy) are transferring their screen chemistry to the stage as they lead the cast of Penelope Skinner's (The Village Bike) new play Lyonesse. The prestige of the production continues off stage too, with Ian Rickson (Jerusalem) lined up to direct. It reunites the director with Scott Thomas for the first time since their critically acclaimed production of The Seagull, which won Scott Thomas an Olivier award 16 years ago.

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The story follows a reclusive but talented actress Elaine (Scott Thomas), who has brought a young film executive (James) to her remote Cornish home to help ready her for a comeback. But more importantly, Elaine is willing to share the story of her mysterious disappearance 30 years earlier. Questions will be raised about who is in control of the stories we tell, and whether these women can hold on to the narrative shared confidentially by Elaine.

The production is being designed by Georgia Lowe, with lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, music by Stephen Warbeck and sound by Tingying Dong.

Scott Thomas and James both starred in the Oscar- and Bafta-winning film Darkest Hour, as well as the screen adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Both are also stage natives: Scott Thomas wowed critics and audiences alike with her leading performance in the Old Vic's production of Electra, and has starred in Three Sisters, Betrayal and Old Times in the West End too. James impressed us back in 2019 with her West End premiere opposite Gillian Anderson in Ivo van Hove's take on the classic Hollywood movie All About Eve.

Kristin Scott Thomas said: ‘Working with Ian is one of the great joys of my professional life. And a new play is such an adventure. Penelope Skinner’s writing had me gripped from the first page. I love the questions the story raises. Acting with Lily is starting to become a habit. Luckily it’s good for everyone!’

Lily James said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining this wonderful company. I have always wanted to work with Ian Rickson. When I received Penelope Skinner’s brilliant play, I read it in one sitting and adored it – I was utterly gripped by these strong, original characters. To work with Sonia Friedman again is an absolute dream but most importantly, I am so happy to be reunited with my friend, Kristin Scott Thomas.’