RIALTO CHATTER: Joanna Lumley to Star in West End's LION IN WINTER?

According to Whatsonstage.com, stage and screen star Joanna Lumley might return to the West End in the upcoming production of THE LION IN WINTER at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Lumley would play Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 1966 play, which will reportedly be directed by Trevor Nunn.

Set during Christmas 1183 at Henry II of England's château in Chinon, Anjou, Angevin Empire, the play opens with the arrival of Henry's wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom he has had imprisoned since 1173. The story concerns the gamesmanship between Henry, Eleanor, their sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John, their guest, Philip II of France (the son of Eleanor's ex-husband, Louis VII of France), and Philip's half-sister, Alais, who has been at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age 8, but has since become Henry's mistress.

The play premiered at the Ambassador Theatre on 3 March 1966. Directed by Noel Willman, it starred Robert Preston as Henry, RoseMary Harris as Eleanor, James Rado as Richard, and Christopher Walken as Philip. Harris won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play.

Lumley is perhaps best known for her roles in British television series Absolutely Fabulous portraying Edina Monsoon's best friend, Patsy Stone, as well as parts in The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel, and Sensitive Skin. She recently starred in David Hirson's La Bête - Comedy Theatre, London, 26 June - 28 August 2010 with David Hyde Pierce and Mark Rylance, directed by Matthew Warchus. She also starred in La Bête at the Music Box Theater, Broadway, New York which opened on the 14 October 2010. She was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, for her performance.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos