The play is based on the true story of Alma Rattenbury, who was put on public trial in 1935 with her 18-year-old lover for violently killing her husband. Duff will play Rattenbury, who was condemned by the public, more for her seduction of a younger man than for any involvement she may have had in her husband's death. Her fate is left in the hands of the socially and sexually repressed jury forewoman, Edith Davenport. Through these two women, the play examines the role of passion, guilt and loyalty in a study of 1930s English sensibilities. Duff's performance in the title role of Shaw's Saint Joan at the National Theatre in 2007 won her an Evening Standard Theatre Award, a South Bank Show Award and The Critics' Circle Award. She was also nominated for an Olivier. Other leading theatre roles include playing Cordelia in King Lear (National Theatre), Collected Stories (Theatre Royal, Haymarket), Days of Wine and Roses (Donmar Warehouse) and War and Peace (National Theatre). Her film and TV credits include Channel 4's "Shameless" and Elizabeth I in "Elizabeth – The Virgin Queen," both of which shereceived BAFTA nominations for. Other credits include "Charles II," "Dr Zhivago," "Sinners," "The Last Station," "Nowhere Boy," "Margot," "The Magdalene Sisters," "French Film" and "Is Anybody There?"

The play is directed by Thea Sharrock, who said in a press statement, "Having just directed Terence Rattigan's second play, After the Dance, I am now thrilled to be part of his centenary celebrations next year with his last play, Cause Célèbre. I am absolutely delighted to be doing it with Anne-Marie Duff, one of the most exciting actresses of her generation, and I can't think of a better stage for it than the historic Old Vic, a first for both Anne-Marie and I, as well as for Rattigan."

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 7628, or visit www.oldvictheatre.com.