Rachael Stirling will star in HPZ Production Company's revival of Terence Rattigan's VARIATION ON A THEME, set to play the Finborough Theatre beginning tonight, February 25, 2014. This will be the first London production of the play in more than 50 years.
VARIATION ON A THEME STOCK first premiered in 1958, starring Margaret Leighton and Jeremy Bratt and directed by John Gielgud.
Finborough's website describes the show: "Inspired by La Dame aux Camelias, and set amidst the glamorous and exotic society of the 1950's French Riviera, Variation on a Theme revolves around the tempestuous love affair between Rose, a beautiful and worldly socialite, and Ron, a young bisexual ballet dancer with a keen eye for social advancement. In an emotionally charged story of desire and disillusionment, Rose is persuaded by Ron's choreographer and mentor, Sam, to sacrifice her personal happiness for the sake of her young lover's success and career. But as Rose's health deteriorates, and Ron is faced with the loveless reality of their separation, they finally face up to their need to be needed. A forgotten classic...this will be the first production of the play anywhere in the world since its original 1958 premiere when it was directed by John Gielgud, and starred Margaret Leighton and Jeremy Brett."
Stirling, who will play 'Rose', was part of a reading of VARIATION ON A THEME at the Chichester Festival two years ago. The Olivier nominee has recently appeared onstage in Donmar's Helpless, Theatre Royal Haymarket's A Woman of No Importance, Hampstead's Anna in the Tropics, Barbican's Tamburlaine, Theatre of Blood at the National Theatre, Look Back in Anger at the Theatre Royal Bath, David Mamet's Uncle Vanya, the Royal Court's The Priory, A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, the Vaudeville's An Ideal Husband, Donmar's The Recruiting Officer and more.
She will next be seen in the upcoming TV mini-series The Game. She has also appeared on TV in Doctor Who, The Bletchley Circle, Women in Love, Boy Meets Girl, Inspector Lewis, Marple, Tipping the Velvet and more. Stirling's past film credits include Sixteen, Snow White and the Huntsman, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Centurion, The Young Victoria and more.
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