Gemma Arterton is to star in a new West End play.

The 'Quantum of Solace' actress has signed on to appear in 'The Little Dog Laughed', a savage comedy due to premiere in London early next year.

The 'Young Victoria' star Rupert Friend, The 'Diary of Anne Frank' actress Tamsin Greig and 'Robin Hood' actor Harry Lloyd will also star in the play, which tells the story of a movie star's quest to find a wife and a boyfriend.

Gemma will play Ari, a fiery young woman who lives with one of the main character's male love interests, played by Lloyd.

It will be the 23-year-old actress's first West End play but not her stage debut.


She played Rosaline in 'Love's Labour's Lost' at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in 2007.

The cast starts rehearsals on December 7, with preview performances due to begin on January 8 at the Garrick Theatre.

Source: China Daily/Agencies