It will begin performances at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre May 8 for a run through June 7, before transferring to Shakespeare's Globe in London, beginning performances June 10 for a run through June 28.

Cole, who will play Helen of Troy, has been seen in the films "The Moth Diaries," "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," "Passages" and "There Be Dragons."

The play tells the story of two countries moving towards war - how conflict starts in a petty way and then escalates at a great cost to human life. Told through the eyes of Achilles, it culminates in the legendary tale of the Trojan Horse.

The production will be directed by Nick Bagnall, whose recent work includes directing three Henry VI plays at Shakespeare’s Globe and at venues across the U.K., including four open-air battlefield performances. Other work includes Betrayal (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield) and Entertaining Mr. Sloane (Trafalgar Studios).

To book tickets for the run in Manchester, visit http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event.aspx?id=781; for London, visit http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/globe-theatre/the-last-days-of-troy.