Anthony Andrews and Ruthie Henshall to Join London's Woman in White

Anthony Andrews, star of "Brideshead Revisited" and countless other films and television programmes, and, recently, "My Fair Lady" on stage at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, (with wonderful reviews and playing to sell out houses), will star as 'Count Fosco' in the hit West End musical "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" at the Palace Theatre from Monday 2 May.

Ruthie Henshall, who shot to fame as the star of the stage musical "Crazy For You" at the Prince Edward Theatre and originated the role of 'Roxie Hart' in the hit West End musical "Chicago", will take over the starring role of 'Marian' on 11 July.

Playing to packed houses, "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" currently stars Michael Ball and Maria Friedman, who leave at the end of their contracts. The show also features Martin Crewes as 'Walter Hartwright', Angela Christian as 'Anne Catherick' (aka 'the Woman in White'), Oliver Darley as 'Sir Percival Glyde', Jill Paice as 'Laura Fairlie' and Edward Petherbridge as 'Mr Fairlie'.

"THE WOMAN IN WHITE" opened at the Palace Theatre on 15 September last year and is scheduled to open on Broadway in March 2006.

"A compelling tale of love, betrayal and greed, "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" is a stunning new musical. Walter Hartright's life is changed forever after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman, dressed in white, desperate to reveal her chilling secret. When he takes up his position as drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie and her half sister, Marian, he sees in Laura's face an eerie reflection of the forlorn creature he previously met.

Walter and Laura's feelings for each other are thwarted by her engagement to the sinister Sir Percival Glyde. What is the connection between Laura, Sir Percival and the woman in white? Is Sir Percival's friend Count Fosco, with his unusual taste for white mice and poison, really as charming and well-meaning as he seems. Can true love prevail?

The stage adaptation of this great Victorian thriller, featuring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest and most romantic scores, comes to life in William Dudley's cinematic design, which swoops from the gas-lit streets of London to the windswept moors and the stately homes of the North."

This new musical has been adapted for the stage by Charlotte Jones, whose award-winning plays include "Humble Boy", with lyrics by David Zippel, whose credits include "City of Angels" and the Disney classics "Mulan" and "Hercules". Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the captivating and romantic new score. Internationally renowned director Trevor Nunn, responsible for, amongst others, "Cats", "Starlight Express", "Les Misérables" and, recently, "Anything Goes", has directed the production. The revolutionary and groundbreaking design is by William Dudley.

Wilkie Collins's "THE WOMAN IN WHITE" was one of the most influential and successful Victorian novels and quickly became a phenomenon. Since its publication in 1860, it has never been out of print and generations of readers have been thrilled by its suspense and excitement.

"THE WOMAN IN WHITE" is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and The Really Useful Theatre Company.

A new booking period has just opened covering performances until 1 April 2006. Performance times are Mondays-Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced from £15.00-£50.00, are available from the Palace Theatre Box Office on 0870 895 5579.