The Painkiller is a comedy by Francis Veber in a new adaptation by Sean Foley; Branagh and Foley will produce.

Branagh and Foley first collaborated in 2001, with Hamish McColl, when their production of The Play What I Wrote won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy after its West End run.

In a statement Branagh said, "The Painkiller is a remarkable play. Sean Foley, the director, is a fantastic talent, familiar to Belfast audiences. When he showed me his modern adaptation of Francis Veber's farce, I knew I wanted to be involved. It's also a particular thrill to partner on stage with the brilliant Rob Brydon...I was lucky enough to begin my career with Graham Reid's Billy, in my home town of Belfast, exactly 30 years ago. I feel equally lucky to be back, and at the Lyric."

Branagh is currently completing work on the film "Thor," which he directed and which will open in the U.K. at the end of April. He last appeared on stage in Ivanov in the Donmar Theatre's West End season in 2008.

Tickets for The Painkiller will be available beginning Jan. 24 by visiting www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or by phoning (028) 9038 1081.