Knightley's West End return...

Following her success in an adaptation of Moliere's 'The Misanthrope', Keira Knightley is once again to take to this stage. Assuming the role of a teacher, Knightley will be performing in 'The Children's Hour', a play written by Lillian Hellman in 1934, and last produced in London by the National in 1994. She will be joined by Elisabeth Moss, best known from American drama series 'Mad Men' and 'The West Wing', and the two will open the production early next year.

Hollywood's finest vie for West End title...

The nominations for the Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards have been announced today. Among the names are those who now are seemingly synonymous with awards. Rachel Weisz and Gillian Anderson are pitted head to head in 'Best Actress' category, for their roles in Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' respectively. The contenders for 'Best Supporting Actress' are similarly strong, including Ruth Wilson for her work alongside Weisz, and Hollywood star Keira Knightley for her performance in newly opened play 'The Misanthrope'. A theatre awards ceremony cannot proceed without recognition for a famous personality in the guise of Shakespeare, and so it is not surprising that Jude Law is nominated for 'Best Actor' as the Danish prince himself, Hamlet. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 21 March.

On this day...

'Pride and Prejudice', arguably Jane Austen's most recognisable novel was published in 1813. Originally named as 'First Impressions', Austen had begun to draft the piece in 1797, yet on rejections by publishers, Austen decided to rework the novel, and it was not until after 'Sense and Sensibility', that the book was released. Its extensive popularity was evident from the start; public demand ensuring that in that very year, three editions sold out and copies were translated into French. Yet, surprising though it may seem, Austen's work did find criticism from author Charlotte Bronte. Writing in 1847, she described the book as 'a carefully fenced, highly cultivated garden, with neat borders and delicate flowers; but ... no open country, no fresh air, no blue hill, no bonny beck'. The novel has spawned countless adaptations through all mediums, most notably the BBC series with Colin Firth, and the 2005 Keira Knightley film. So ingrained is Austen in our culture, that even the characters seem to have entered the vernacular, and the themes are still being repeated in modern day romantic comedies.

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.