Eve Best Headed to London's Old Vic as The Duchess of Malfi

Tony nominee Eve Best will return to London's Old Vic to lead the cast of John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi this spring. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, performances begin March 17, 2012, with opening night set for March 28. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

Set in the Italian Renaissance court of Amalfi, The Duchess of Malfi tells the dark, bloody story of the recently widowed Duchess (Best) who secretly marries her lover and steward against the wishes of her powerful brothers. As jealousy, madness and bloodshed surround her, the Duchess retains a calm strength and dignity, even in the face of death.

Best earned Tony nominations for The Homecoming and A Moon for the Misbegotten (which she originally performed at the Old Vic). Her other theater credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Hedda Gabler, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three Sisters, The Coast of Utopia and The Heiress. Best is a series regular on TV's Nurse Jackie and appeared in the Oscar-winning film The King's Speech.

The Duchess of Malfi will feature design by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting by James Farncombe and music and sound by Ben and Max Ringham.