It will begin performances at Plymouth's Drum Theatre Sept. 30, prior to an official opening there Oct. 3, then tour, with dates that include a three-week London run at the Lyric Hammersmith from Jan. 11-Jan. 28, 2012.

Lovesong, which is described in press materials as a new play about lifelong love, also features Sam Cox playing the husband to Phillips's character, and Leanne Rowe and Edward Bennett, who will play the same couple as their younger selves. It is directed by Frantic Assembly's artistic directors Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett (Broadway's American Idiot and the National Theatre of Scotland's Blackwatch).

Phillips' recent stage credits include the role of Juliet in Juliet and her Romeo (Bristol Old Vic), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Broadway) and Calendar Girls (West End/tour). Her best-known screen work includes a BAFTA-winning role in "I, Claudius" (BBC TV), as well as "Goodbye Mr. Chips," "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "Dune." She has also appeared on Broadway in Marlene, for which she was nominated for the 1999 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and An Inspector Calls.

Lovesong is designed by Merle Hensel, with lighting by Andy Purves, sound by Carolyn Downing and video design by Ian William Galloway. It is produced by Frantic Assembly and Drum Theatre Plymouth in association with Chichester Festival Theatre.

For full details on the tour and box office phone numbers, visit www.franticassembly.co.uk.