Variety reported that the stage and screen veteran will star in Christopher Hampton's new play, Embers. Michael Blakemore will direct the production, which is set to begin previews at the Duke of York's Theatre Feb. 15, 2006, with an official opening set for March 1.

Based on Sandor Marai's novel, Embers is set in 1940s Europe. The play, according to the industry paper, casts Irons as a general, who is "awaiting the return of a friend he hasn't seen for several decades." No other casting has been announced.

Producers for Embers include Eric Abraham and Robert Haggiag.

Jeremy Irons won a Tony Award for his performance in the original Broadway production of The Real Thing. The English actor also won Academy and Golden Globe awards for his work in the 1990 film "Reversal of Fortune." Irons was also Golden-Globe nominated for "The Mission" and "Brideshead Revisited." He last appeared on the London stage in The Rover for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

It will be a busy season at the Duke of York's. Embers will follow a limited engagement of the award-winning one-man show I Am My Own Wife. Jefferson Mays, who originated the role on Broadway to Tony-winning effect, will star.