On this day...

French actor and playwright Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by pen name Moliere, was born in 1622. Born into a wealthy family, Moliere attended College de Clermont, widely regarded as one of the most demanding schools in the French system, and so set himself up for a position in office. Yet at the age of 21, he decided to forgo his social standing, and instead pursue a career in theatre; founding 'L'Illustre Theatre' and so creating a new troupe of actors. After twelve years and several failed companies, Moliere finally found success; obtaining the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orleans and brother of Louis XIV, subsequently earning the title 'The King's Troupe'. Throughout his acting career, his own particular penchant for tragedy was displaced by his increasing comic ability, and indeed his most famous works are those of a farcical nature. Among his best known dramas, are 'The Misanthrope', currently on stage starring Keira Knightley, and 'Tartuffe'. A film biopic, released in 2007, can be seen here

Jude, Lenny and Keira thwart recession...

Although many have felt the pinch over the last year and inevitable luxuries have had to been cut back, the theatre appears not only unaffected by it, but seems to have profited from it. The year is hailed, by the Society of London Theatre, to have been a record breaking one, with over 14 million tickets sold in the capital. The director of National Theatre, Nicholas Hytner, belives this is down to the success of 'straight plays: 'There's a huge audience...for serious theatre, that addresses head on the world that people feel they're part of, that engages with a world that at the moment appears to be spinning out of control'. And Hollywood has lent some of its most famous stars to the cause, Jude Law and Keira Knightley both taking time out from filming to revive Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and Moliere's 'The Misanthrope' respectively. Other actors have also been at hand; award-winning Lenny Henry and Rachel Weisz have captured audiences and critics alike, ensuring that 2009 was a huge hit at the box office.

The Curse of the West End?...

Keira Knightley is becoming the lastest actress to transfer her skills from screen to the stage. The 'Atonement' and 'Pirates of Caribbean' star will be making her debut next week in 'The Misanthrope; a French comedy of manners by the playwright Moliere. This comes on the back of several high profile performances by stage debutants, such as that of Lenny Henry; winner of a London Evening Standard Award for his portrayal of Othello. Sadie Frost, another recent convert to the theatre was nominated for a Whatsonstage.com Award for her performance in 'Touched'. Frost, who is going to watch the opening night, said of Knightley, 'she's a professional girl she'll just throw herself into it...I'm sure she's just enjoying it and getting on with it, and not focusing on what people think.' However Knightley herself seems to hold a different perspective, saying that she 'wanted to vomit'. The plays runs until March 13th, at the Comedy Theatre.