Gemma Arterton Signs on for SAINT JOAN at Donmar Warehouse

According to the Daily Mail, Gemma Arterton, most recently seen in the West End's Nell Gwynn and MADE IN DAGENHAM, will lead George Bernard Shaw's SAINT JOAN, coming to the Donmar Warehouse this winter.

Beginning December 9, the production will be directed by Josie Rourke.

"Saint Joan has got a lot of soul and it's poetic," Arterton told the Mail. But she added, "It wouldn't have been something that I'd have imagined myself doing, to be honest with you. It's not as though I'm the obvious choice...My characters have usually got a bit more sass." The actress continued: "When Joan goes into any room, she can make people listen to her...I'm drawn to those women who transform during the piece."

Based on the life and trial of Joan of Arc, SAINT JOAN premiered on Broadway in 1923, starring Winifred Lenihan. It opened the following year in London with Shaw's friend and muse Sybil Thorndike. The play was adapted for the big screen in 1957, starring Jean Seberg in the title role and directed by Otto Preminger.

Arterton's other theatre credits include THE DUCHESS OF MALFI (Shakespeare's Globe), THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED (Garrick), THE MASTER BUILDER (Almeida) and LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST (Shakespeare's Globe). Among her film credits are the GEMMA BOVERY, James Bond movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE, HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS, BYZANTIUM, PRINCE OF PERSIA, CLASH OF THE TITANS and more.

Pictured: Gemma Arterton in the West End's Nell Gwynn. Photo by Tristram Kenton.