The Telegraph reports that Lumley will assume the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine, famously played by Katharine Hepburn on film, in the London debut of the play under the direction of Trevor Nunn.
Lumley was last seen on the New York and London stage as the imperious Princess in La Bête. She earned a Tony nomination for her work opposite David Hyde Pierce and Mark Rylance.
While Goldman's play is best known for the Academy Award-winning film adaptation, which starred Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton, the cast of the original Broadway production also boasted major star power, including Rosemarry Harris, Robert Preston, Christopher Walken and Hair creator James Rado.
Set during the reign of Henry II of England, The Lion in Winter centers on a tempestuous family gathering.
Lumley may be best know to American audiences for her role as Patsy Stone on "Absolutely Fabulous." Her screen appearances include "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," "The New Avengers," "Sapphire & Steel," "Clatteford," "Shirley Valentine" and "Miss Marple." On stage, she has appeared in The Cherry Orchard, Hedda Gabler and Blithe Spirit.
