The former Doctor Who star will appear in a limited run at the Trafalgar Theatre. 

Jodie Whitaker has been announced in The Duchess, coming to London’s West End for a limited 11-week run this autumn.

It’s Whittaker’s return to the stage for the first time since 2012, when she played Antigone for the National Theatre. Since then, she’s become a household name; as well starring in Doctor Who, she’s enjoyed acclaimed roles in Broadchurch and Time.

The Duchess is adapted and directed by Zinnie Harris. The play is a modern take on John Webster’s classic The Duchess of Malfi and “explores the depths of the patriarchy against female resistance.”

Recently widowed and in search for a new lease of life, the Duchess defies her family’s wishes by remarrying beneath her class. However, when her brothers, driven by insurmountable greed and rage, discover her second marriage they unleash a series of cruel and devastating punishments against her that repress her power. But will their vicious atrocities come back to haunt them?

This production was originally produced and developed by the Royal Lyceum Theatre.

Jodie Whittaker said:

“I’m beyond delighted to return to the stage after over a decade, and even more so to lead Zinnie Harris’s incredibly powerful adaptation of John Webster’s harrowing drama. Zinnie has so brilliantly propelled The Duchess of Malfi into contemporary culture, which is what originally drew me to the piece. Being able to portray the Duchess’s tragic and captivating story on stage every night is a true honour.”

The Duchess plays at London’s Trafalgar Theatre from Sat 5 Oct – Fri 20 Dec 2024. Tickets, which start at £20, are on sale now.