Mischa Barton (The O.C.) makes her long-awaited UK stage debut as the ultimate femme fatale in Double Indemnity, a darkly compelling new stage adaptation of one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century, written by James M. Cain.
The story that inspired Billy Wilder’s legendary film noir masterpiece opens at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre on 5 February and then travels to cities and towns in the UK and Ireland until May. Ticket information and on sale dates can be found at doubleindemnityplay.com
Mischa Barton said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the stage and making my UK theatre debut in 'Double Indemnity'. This classic film noir favourite is a gripping tale of deceit, tension, and suspense and I cannot wait to step into the role of Phyllis and share her with audiences across the UK and Ireland for the first time."
Set in Los Angeles during the 1930s, amidst the wreckage of the Great Depression, Double Indemnity follows Walter Huff, a sharp-eyed insurance salesman who has built his career spotting scams. But when he meets the dangerously seductive Phyllis Nirdlinger (Barton) to discuss her husband’s life insurance policy, he is drawn into a web of lust, greed, and betrayal.
Together, they plot the perfect crime: murder the husband, cash in the policy, and vanish into the Californian sunset. But passion clouds judgment and guilt corrodes even the most perfect of plans. As their conspiracy unravels and mistrust festers, Walter and Phyllis find themselves battling not only the law, but each other.
James M. Cain’s thrillingly amoral masterpiece of murder, deceit, and desire is adapted for the stage by Tom Holloway and directed by Oscar Toeman, promising a razor-sharp, atmospheric reimagining of one of the most iconic crime stories ever written. Further casting will be announced soon.
Double Indemnity brings together the glamour and danger of old Hollywood with the tension and allure of classic noir storytelling. A must-see event that will immerse audiences in a world of danger, desire and double-crossing hearts.
TOUR DATES
5 - 7 February
EASTBOURNE
DEVONSHIRE PARK
ON SALE 10 October
10 - 14 February
NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL
ON SALE 17 October
17 - 21 February
CREWE LYCEUM THEATRE
ON SALE 10 October
3 - 7 March
RICHMOND THEATRE
ON SALE 21 October
10 - 14 March
THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON
ON SALE 21 October
24 - 28 March
DUBLIN GAIETY
ON SALE 17 October
31 March - 4 April
SOUTHEND PALACE THEATRE
ON SALE 10 October
7 - 11 April
WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE
ON SALE 10 October
21 - 25 April
CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY
ON SALE 10 October
28 April - 2 May
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
ON SALE 21 October
5 - 9 May
CARDIFF NEW THEATRE
ON SALE 10 October