JAMES Corden is making his return to the West End – 13 years after he last trod the boards.
The star, 45, will appear at The Old Vic alongside fellow BAFTA-winner Anna Maxwell Martin.
News of his theatre comeback comes eight months after he quit The Late, Late Show Stateside, and will be his first major role since coming back to the UK.
The Constituent, a new topical, political-set play, features Anna playing a hard-working opposition backbencher opposite a disgruntled constituent, played by the Gavin and Stacey star.
Last night scriptwriter Joe Penhall said: “I began writing this play four years ago, as I became fascinated and appalled by the growing antipathy towards elected politicians.
“But during lockdown it looked like theatre was done for, so when I showed a rough first draft to (Old Vic artistic director) Matthew Warchus, and he had such a confident vision for it, I was simultaneously thrilled and doubtful of our chances. It’s beyond exciting to be finally doing it.”
The hard-hitting play is said to “deconstruct politics, panic alarms and the conflict between public service and personal safety”, and will show from 13th June to August 10th.
James, who made his name in The History Boards – for which he enjoyed a successful stint on Broadway – won a prestigious Tony award for his last theatre role in One Man Two Guvnors.
Since then he has gone on to enjoy a stellar TV and movie career, becoming one of the country’s most famous exports.
He also became a household name in the US following his his year stint on The Late Late Show- turning down a seven figure deal to stay on as host in order to return to the UK.
The actor is also in talks to bring back cult comedy drama Gavin and Stacey this Christmas, with both the BBC and Netflix vying to buy the rights.
Last night a source said: “This is huge news for theatre fans.
“James has had countless offers for various TV, film and presenting gigs but theatre is his one true love.
“He cannot wait to get back to the stage, performing day-in, day-out to intimate theatre audiences – especially at such an iconic venue.
“It’s an extremely punchy play and one that sheds a stark light on the current deal political culture that we have.”
Tickets go on sale from 8am today.