Eve Best in The Duchess Of Malfi at the Old Vic

Acclaimed Actress Set to Appear in the Upcoming Production from March to June 2012

It has been revealed that Eve Best is set to make her way back to the stage in London next year as she has been cast in the title role of “The Duchess of Malfi” when that production runs at the Old Vic Theatre from March to June 2012. A director has also been announced for the show in the form of Jamie Lloyd, who will bring new life to John Webster’s 1612 text, which takes place at the beginning of the 1500s.

The plot focuses on the title character the Duchess of Malfi, Italy, from 1504 to the end of the decade. She is recently widowed and wishes to remarry after falling in love with the steward Antonio, but her brothers do not wish to share their inheritance and so forbid such an action. This, in turn, forces her to marry her love in secret and also keep their children from her vengeful siblings. But the truth does not stay hidden and this sets in action revenge and deceit throughout the court of Malfi.

Eve Best has appeared in a wide range of roles over the years, with acclaimed appearances on the stage and screen, and this has brought her plenty of accolades. This includes a Laurence Olivier Award for “Hedda Gabler”, which stands up alongside her other London theatre credits such as “Tis Pity She’s a Whore” at the Young Vic Theatre and “A Moon for the Misbegotten” at the Old Vic Theatre, in addition to appearances on stages in Sheffield and Ireland. Her screen roles have included “The King’s Speech” (as Wallis Simpson), “Nurse Jackie”, “Waking the Dead” and “The Inspector Lynley Mysteries”.

“The Duchess of Malfi” was penned by John Webster in the 17th century and was first seen by audiences at the Blackfriars Theatre and then the Globe Theatre from 1612 to 1614. Though artistic licence is used the story is based on actual events that occurred a hundred years earlier in Malfi, Italy.

It arrives at the Old Vic Theatre after the run of “Noises Off” with dates from Saturday 17th March 2012 to Saturday 9th June 2012.