First Look - Kristin Scott Thomas as 'The Queen' in Peter Morgan's THE AUDIENCE

Kristin Scott Thomas will play the Queen in a new version of Peter Morgan's The Audience. Stephen Daldry's production will preview at the Apollo Theatre from 21 April 2015, with press night on 5 May 2015 and is booking to 25 July 2015. Get a first look at the actress in her upcoming role at left!

The Audience has designs by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music by Paul Englishby. Further casting is to be announced shortly.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said, not even to their spouses. The Audience imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister uses these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can't help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases. These private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age, from the beginning of Elizabeth II's reign to today. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

Multi award-wining theatre and film actor Kristin Scott Thomas has recently opened to great critical acclaim in the title role in Sophocles'Electra at the Old Vic. Previously she has been seen in the West End in Ian Rickson's productions of The Seagull, Betrayal and Old Times, Jonathan Kent's production of As You Desire Me and Michael Blakemore's production of Three Sisters, both for the Playhouse Theatre in London. Her extensive film credits include Sous Ton Emprise, Une Femme Parfaite and Nowhere Boy as well as Only God Forgives, Bel Ami, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, Easy Virtue, The Other Boleyn Girl, Gosford Park, The Horse Whisperer, The English Patient, Mission Impossible, Angels & Insects and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The Audience is produced in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

For more information visit: www.theaudienceplay.com

Photographer credit - Jason Bell