Matthew Fox led a cast of marooned travellers for nearly six years on the television series Lost but will now lead a cast of two: He will play Bobby, a crass American carpenter in the inaugural production next year of In a Forest, Dark and Deep by Tony Award-nominated playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute.
"The West End has always been a dream," Fox said on Monday of the London area famous for its world-class theatres. "I always hoped I'd have the opportunity to work here."
Forest will centre on the sibling rivalry between Bobby and his university dean sister, Betty, to be played by Olivia Williams, the British actress known for her roles in movies such as The Sixth Sense and The Ghost Writer.
The move from screen to stage isn't without its challenges, Fox said, "but I find challenges in every new thing I do."
It is not Fox's first role on stage, but it is his first in Britain, far away from his family.
"The hardest thing about this was taking the time away from my wife and children," he said. "But I couldn't shake this feeling that I was the right person to play Bobby."
LaBute, who wrote and will direct Forest, was nominated for a Tony award in 2009 for his play Reasons to Be Pretty, which was staged on Broadway.
LaBute, who has already staged plays in London, said he was excited to return.
"Like any guest, though, eventually I'll probably stay longer than you'll want me," he said.
The production will debut in March 2011 at the Vaudeville Theatre.
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