The play, which originally premiered at the old Hampstead Theatre in 1979, is the first of Leigh's plays that he has ever returned to direct a revival of himself.

In a press statement, he commented, "Of my own plays, Ecstasy is my favorite. For years I have wanted to share its passion, its comedy, its sadness and its songs with a new, wider audience, and now, with my wonderful young cast, I am delighted to have the opportunity to do so."

Set in 1979, it revolves around old friends who come together in a Kilburn bed-sit. The cast comprises Siân Brooke, Daniel Coonan, Claire-Louise Cordwell, Allen Leech, Sinéad Matthews and Craig Parkinson. The production is designed by Alison Chitty, with lighting by Paul Pyant and sound by John Leonard.

The production marks Hampstead’s first transfer since Edward Hall took over as artistic director in February 2010. In a press statement, Hall  added, "I am so glad to be able to give Mike Leigh’s work a wider platform to be seen on. We have been unable to cope with demand for tickets at Hampstead so this transfer is doubly important both for the theatre and for the audience for Mike's work. It is enormously exciting to see Hampstead back in the West End once again in this new partnership with Nica Burns and Nimax Theatres."

To book tickets, contact the West End box office on 0844 412 4659 or Hampstead's box office on 020 7722 9301, or visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com.