Luke Evans confirms stage return with Downton Abbey star as tickets go on sale
Luke Evans has confirmed he's returning to "where it all began" for him with a show on London's West End.
Many will know Luke from his roles in blockbusters like Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit series, and numerous Fast and Furious films – as well TV shows like The Alienist and, of course, his music career.
Now, you'll be able to see him alongside Downton Abbey star Penelope Wilton in a new play called Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York's Theatre in central London.
With performances running from October 27 to January 27, tickets are now on general sale via ATG Tickets. Members' presales are open now.
Set in 1979 at a time of major social unrest and change, Backstairs Billy stars Luke as William Tallon, a long-serving member of staff for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (played by Wilton). The name of the play is the nickname Tallon was given by the tabloid press at the time.
"When I read the script, it made me giggle out loud so hard," he told The Guardian. "It's just so entertaining and such a joyous story about these two people: the Queen Mother, who was super famous, but also Billy. He was always there and spent most of his life working for her."
Penelope described Backstairs Billy as "a joyful and compassionate play", adding: "It brings the Queen Mother into Technicolor rather than being a pastel person in pale chiffon.
"She suddenly becomes a very vibrant person and we see her for herself, not just for being the Queen's mother. Billy allowed her to be who she was."
Backstairs Billy is written by Marcelo dos Santos and directed by Michael Grandage. Further casting is yet to be announced.
Speaking to his Instagram followers recently, Luke teased news of an exciting new theatre project. He said: "So, I don't do a lot of these videos – I'm not really great at them! – but when I usually do them, I've got something interesting to tell you and today, I do.
"If you know anything about my career, you'll know that I started on the stage. I did a year's treading the boards, and loved every minute of it. That was 16 years ago... the last time I did a play in London, and I'm excited to tell you that I'm going back!
"I'm going to be doing a play at the end of this year, in London, and I'm very excited. I'm also very nervous and I'm looking forward to it very much, to be entertaining you where it all began for me back on the West End stage."
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