John Hurt will return to the London stage for the first time in 10 years to star in 'The Entertainer' opposite Kenneth Branagh in the West End.

Hurt, whose last theatre role in London was in 'Krapp’s Last Tape' at the Barbican in 2006, said he was “thrilled” to be cast in what he considers to be “one of the great plays of the 20th century”.

“This has been a wonderfully successful season for Ken Branagh and his company, and I feel proud and privileged to be joining them,” he added.

Directed by Rob Ashford, the play will also star Jonah Hauer-King, Sophie McShera and Greta Scacchi.

Ashford described 'The Entertainer' as a “riveting” drama and claimed there was “no better group of actors to bring it to life”.

It is the final play in Kenneth Branagh's Plays at the Garrick season, and will run at the Garrick Theatre from August 20 to November 12. A press night will be held on August 30.

In February, Hurt was presented with an prize for outstanding contribution to radio at the BBC Audio Drama Awards.