The star-studded production of the Sam Mendes-directed Twelfth Night will officially open at London's Donmar Warehouse Oct. 22, after previews from Oct. 11. The play runs in repertory with Uncle Vanya.

Academy Award nominee Emily Watson heads the casts of both productions. Chekhov's Vanya began performances Sept. 5, and runs through Nov. 20, while Shakespeare's Night plays through Nov. 30. Both shows will visit the Brooklyn Academy of Music following their London engagements. The productions represent Mendes' swan song at the Donmar, which he founded.

Joining Watson, who plays Viola, are Simon Russell Beale (Malvolio), David Bradley (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Selina Cadell (Maria), Luke Jardine (Fabian) , Paul Jesson (Sir Toby Belch), Helen McCrory (Olivia), Cherry Morris (Valentine), Anthony O'Donnell (Feste), Gary Powell (Antonio/Sea Captain), Syuri Sarossy (Sebastian/Curio) and Mark Strong (Orsino).

The remainder of the creative team comprises Anthony Ward (set design), Mark Thompson (costume design), Hugh Vanstone (lighting design), George Stiles (music) and Paul Arditti (sound design). Born in London, England, Watson spent two years at the British Shakespeare School of Acting. Her film debut in "Breaking the Waves" earned the actress an Academy Award nomination as did her role opposite Rachel Griffiths in "Hilary and Jackie." Watson has also been seen in "Angela's Ashes," "The Luzhin Defence" and this season's "Gosford Park."

The telephone number for the theatre's box office is 011 44 20 7369 1732; go to www.donmar warehouse.com for more information. —By Robert Simonson