Hollywood star Mischa Barton (The O.C., The Sixth Sense) is set to make her long-awaited UK stage debut as the ultimate femme fatale in a major new tour of Double Indemnity. The production is a darkly compelling stage adaptation of James M. Cain’s classic 20th-century crime novel, which inspired Billy Wilder’s film noir masterpiece.
Barton will step into the role of the dangerously seductive Phyllis Nirdlinger, the woman who lures a sharp-eyed insurance salesman into a twisted plot of murder, greed, and lust. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles in the 1930s, the story follows Walter Huff, who risks his career and his life when he meets Phyllis to discuss her husband’s insurance policy. The two conspire to commit the perfect crime—killing the husband to cash in the policy—but their perfect plan quickly unravels as passion gives way to mistrust and guilt.
Mischa Barton expressed her excitement, saying she is "absolutely thrilled to be returning to the stage" with a role that is a "gripping tale of deceit, tension, and suspense."
The new adaptation is written by multi-award-winning Australian playwright Tom Holloway and directed by Oscar Toeman (Farewell Mr Haffmann), promising a razor-sharp, atmospheric reimagining of the iconic crime story.
Presented by Trafalgar Theatre Productions, the tour opens at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre on February 5th, before embarking on a UK and Ireland run that includes major stops in Nottingham, Brighton, Dublin, and Manchester, running until May.
Double Indemnity offers audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the glamour and danger of old Hollywood noir. Further casting details for the production will be announced soon. Tickets are available now at doubleindemnityplay.com.
