Damian Lewis Talks THE MISANTHROPE to The Daily Mail

Damian Lewis leads an outstanding ensemble featuring  TAra Fitzgerald, Keira Knightley, Dominic Rowan and Tim McMullan in Martin Crimp's blistering version of Molière's greatest comedy, The Misanthrope. Directed by Thea Sharrock, the play will open at the Comedy Theatre on 17 December 2009 with previews from 7 December 2009.

Lewis spoke to The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye about his role in the play stating, "This Misanthrope is angered by everything he sees around him and yet, at the same time, you might say he's one of the great romantics in literature." To read more click here.

Press notes describe the play as "transported from 17th century Paris to modern-day London, Alceste (Damian Lewis) is a famous British playwright disillusioned and angry with the hypocrisy, shallowness and vanity of the contemporary world. Vowing to reject society, Alceste's plans are derailed when he falls madly in love with Jennifer (Keira Knightley). An ambitious American film star and darling of the social scene, she may prove to be his biggest challenge yet."

Damian Lewis made his name in Steven Spielberg's award-winning mini series Band Of Brothers.  He has since carved out a prolific career in film, television and theatre most recently appearing on stage in Pillars of the Community (National Theatre) and Five Gold Rings (Almeida) and on screen in the hugely popular NBC series Life.  His film credits include Dreamcatcher, An Unfinished Life, The Escapist, Chromophobia and Stormbreaker and his television work includes the remake of The Forsythe Saga and Confessions of a Diary Secretary.

The Misanthrope will be designed by Hildegard Bechtler (Arcadia, Hedda Gabler and The Seagull at the Royal Court and on Broadway).