Full casting has been announced for the upcoming West End production of ALL ABOUT EVE, opening at London’s Noël Coward Theatre in February and starring Gillian Anderson as Margo Channing, and Lily James as Eve Harrington.

Stanley Townsend joins the principal cast to take on the role of theatre critic Addison DeWitt. Most recently, Townsend has been seen on stage in the West End revival of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS opposite Christian Slate, in the original cast of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at The Old Vic, and as a leading role in the Royal Court and West End production of THE NETHER. He is joined in the casting announcement alongside  Ian Drysdale as Max Fabian, Tsion Habte as Phoebe, Charles Hagerty as Waiter, Grace Stone as Ensemble and Philip Voyzey as the Pianist.

Also announced for the production is Jessie Mei Li as Claudia Casswell, with Merric Boyd, Fejiro Emasiobi, Chanelle Modi, Stuart Nunn, Phillipa Peak and Michael Warburton joining the ensemble.

The actors join the previously announced Monica Dolan, Sheila Reid, Julian Ovenden and Rhashan Stone.

The new production is based on the original 1950 film written and directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz. The film starred Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded but ageing Broadway star. She meets Eve Harrington (played by Anne Baxter in the movie), an ambitious young fan who insinuates herself into Channing’s life, ultimately threatening her career and personal relationships. The original movie received 14 Academy Award nominations and won 6, including Best Picture.

The production is directed and adapted by the acclaimed Ivo Van Hove, whose recent credits include NETWORK and HEDDA GABLER at the National Theatre, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at the Young Vic and on Broadway, and THE CRUCIBLE on Broadway. ALL ABOUT EVE features set and lighting by Jan Versweyveld, costumes by An D’Huys, sound by Tom Gibbons and original music by British recording artist PJ Harvey.

ALL ABOUT EVE opens at London’s Noël Coward Theatre from 2nd February 2019 and is currently booking to 11th May. Tickets are on sale now.