The production, to be directed by Lindsay Posner, will star Jill Halfpenny in the role of Beverley, originally created on stage and in the subsequent television version by Alison Steadman. Further casting is still to be announced.

Halfpenny won a 2011 Olivier Award for her role as Paulette in the original London cast of Legally Blonde. She is best known for her TV roles on "EastEnders," "Waterloo Road" and "Blue Murder." 



Posner is currently represented by his new production of Michael Frayn's Noises Off at the Old Vic. Other recent productions include Butley (Duchess), An Ideal Husband (Vaudeville), A View from the Bridge (Duke of York's) and Fiddler on the Roof (Savoy).

Leigh is currently represented by Grief that he has written and directed at the National's Cottesloe Theatre. Last year he revived his early play Ecstasy at Hampstead Theatre which subsequently transferred to the West End's Duchess Theatre. His films include "Another Year," "Happy-Go-Lucky" and "Topsy-Turvy," all of which received Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay; "Secrets and Lies," which received Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture; and "Vera Drake," for which he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

To book tickets for the Menier run, contact the box office on 020 7378 1713, or visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com for more details. To book for the Bath run, contact the box office on 01225 448844, or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk for more details.