Linda Griffith's newest play, The Duchess, a.k.a. Wallis Simpson, opens at Toronto's Theatre Passe Muraille (Mainstage) on January 31, 1998.

Griffiths is best known for her superb impersonations of both Margaret and Pierre Trudeau in her acclaimed one-woman show Maggie and Pierre; now she takes on another sort of royalty with the story of Edward VIII and his lady love.

The Toronto premiere features a high profile cast, with Griffiths as The Duchess, David Fox, Sky Gilbert (former artistic director of Buddies In Bad Times Theatre), Donna Goodhand, Jennifer Phipps (a Shaw Festival veteran) and Jonathan Wilson. They play a total of 30 characters.

Along with some good reviews from its premiere out west and the recent death of Princess Diana still resonating, The Duchess is set for a splashy start in early 1998.

The Duchess plays at Theatre Passe Muraille (Mainspace) from January 31 to February 22. Call 416-504-7529 for tickets. --By Mira Friedlander
Canadian Correspondent