Martin Freeman and Sarah Lancashire star in James Graham's Labour of Love at the Noel Coward Theatre

New play by the Michael Grandage Company

The Michael Grandage Company and Headlong have announced that they will present the world première of James Graham's new play Labour of Love, starring Martin Freeman and Sarah Lancashire at the Noël Coward Theatre from 15 September to 2 December 2017.

Described as a "razor sharp political comedy" Labour of Love reunites writer James Graham with director Jeremy Herrin following their previous collaboration on the Olivier Award-nominated play This House which recently played a five-star season in the West End.

"Labour MP David Lyons cares about modernisation and "electability"... his constituency agent, Jean Whittaker cares about principles and her community. Set away from the Westminster bubble in the party's traditional northern heartlands, this is a clash of philosophy, culture and class against the backdrop of the Labour Party over 25 years as it moves from Kinnock through Blair into Corbyn... and beyond?"

The production features set and costume design by Lee Newby with lighting by Neil Austin and sound design by Paul Arditti.

Martin Freeman is known for his screen roles in 'The Office', 'Sherlock', 'The Hobbit' film trilogy, 'Fargo', 'Love Actually', 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and 'Nativity!'. He was last seen in the West End in 2014 in Jamie Lloyd's production of Richard III at the Trafalgar Studios.

Sarah Lancashire was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in the new musical Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre in 2011. Other stage work includes the West End production of Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre and Blood Brothers in the West End. Most known for her work on screen she found popular success as Raquel Wolstenhulme 'Coronation Street' as wel as 'Where the Heart Is' and more recently 'Last Tango in Halifax' and 'Happy Valley' for which she was just honoured with a BAFTA Award.

Writer James Graham's credits include Ink which premieres at the Almeida Theatre later this year, The Vote (Donmar Warehouse), the musical Finding Neverland (Broadway), Privacy (Donmar and New York) and This House (National Theatre, West End).

Labour of Love tickets are now on sale.