Miller’s last stage role in the city was in Festen at the Almeida. He didn’t transfer with that show when it moved to Shaftesbury Avenue, but this starts in the West End, at the New Ambassadors.

The play was first staged at the Hampstead Theatre in 1992, a traditional feeding-house for Theatreland (most recently, the venue’s Losing Louis opened at the Whitehall Studios). McGuinness depicts three men who are held hostage, somewhere in the Middle East in 1990. The show is inspired by real events, as an Irishman, an Englishman and an American cope with the effects of their captivity.

Joining Miller in the cast are David Threlfall and Aidan Gillen. Threlfall was nominated for Tony and Emmy awards for his performance in the much admired Royal Shakespeare Company production of Nicholas Nickleby, and more recently played Frank Gallagher in the TV drama “Shameless.” His other West End credits include Blue/Orange. Gillen is best known for starring in the TV series “Queer As Folk,” and his many stage roles include Playboy of the Western World and The Tempest, both at the Almeida.

Miller made his name as a film actor. His movie credits include “Trainspotting,” “Mansfield Park," “Dracula 2000” and Woody Allen’s “Melinda and Melinda.” But he trained as a stage actor (at the National Youth Music Theatre) and increasingly returns to the theatre.

Dominic Dromgoole directs. He is the artistic director of the Oxford Stage Company. Previously he was artistic director at the Bush, and New Plays Director for the Peter Hall Company. Frank McGuinness is a regular West Ender, with plays including The Factory Girls and Dolly West’s Kitchen. He’s as often seen as translator — recent translations having included Hecuba and Miss Julie. Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me bagged him the New York Critics Circle and Writers Guild awards for best play.

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