Keira Knightley agreed to appear in her latest film for free. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star appears as Elizabethan lover Constance in 10-minute short film ‘Maze’, the debut of painter Stuart Pearson Wright, for free because she is so in tune with his ideas. The short features the actress and her lover – played by the artist – in full period costume, lost in a maze trying to find each other and was shot in one day for just £15,000. Speaking about her decision to appear in ‘Maze’, Keira told The Independent newspaper: “I loved the idea of doing something that was purely creative, weird and wonderful and not a commercial venture. “Ideas were emailed and then developed at Stuart’s studio over cupcakes and tea, and under the skeleton of his dog, and a film piece was decided on: a collision of our worlds.” The director admits it was a nerve-wracking experience for him to work with such a high-profile actress on his very first film, but insists Keira instantly put him at ease. Stuart said: “I was impressed Keira agreed to do the film straight away. She had the humility to take direction from somebody who lacked experience. “She was as un-diva like as anybody could be, because she is so down to earth. She is not into playing the whole star game. She genuinely loves acting and I think she gives a great performance, in this film, in a very uncomfortable dress.” ‘Maze’ will be premiered alongside Stuart’s latest exhibition, ‘I Remember You’ at London’s Riflemaker Gallery between May 05 and June 06.

Source: Contactmusic

Damian Lewis talks about appearing with Keira Knightley as she makes her West End debut in an updated version of Moliere’s The Misanthrope. Click here to read the interview.

Deeside Mineral Water and charity fresh2o have teamed up to launch an exclusive range of bottled water fronted by celebrities and benefiting a good cause. Launching this week, the limited edition 500ml bottles will feature A-list stars all shot underwater by renowned photographer Candice. Actresses Keira Knightley and Kelly Brook, model Lily Cole, plus DJ Judge Jules and Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain are among those supporting the initiative. Sales will help raise money for fresh2o, the charity dedicated to enabling the provision of clean safe water for drinking and sanitation purposes worldwide. And the stars are in good company as Deeside Mineral Water is a celebrity in its own right. It flows from an ancient healing spring near Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands with health properties dating back to 1760. Celebrity drinkers already include Queen Victoria, Lord Byron and more recently Tom Cruise. Read the rest of this entry…

Lewis spoke to The Daily Mail’s Baz Bamigboye about his role in the play stating, “This Misanthrope is angered by everything he sees around him and yet, at the same time, you might say he’s one of the great romantics in literature.” Press notes describe the play as “transported from 17th century Paris to modern-day London, Alceste (Damian Lewis) is a famous British playwright disillusioned and angry with the hypocrisy, shallowness and vanity of the contemporary world. Vowing to reject society, Alceste’s plans are derailed when he falls madly in love with Jennifer (Keira Knightley). An ambitious American film star and darling of the social scene, she may prove to be his biggest challenge yet.” Source: The Daily Mail

There are the very first promos of Keira in her stage debut The Misanthrope! Previews below:

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Keira Knightley’s stage debut has taken £1million at the box office within just four days – and the cast hasn’t even started rehearsals yet. The West End production, a new version of Molière’s famous comedy The Misanthrope, which also stars Damian Lewis, hadn’t been advertised until this week, with just a small article in Baz Bamigboye’s Daily Mail column breaking the news a few days ago, which was swiftly picked up by news outlets around the world. However, fans of the Oscar-nominated star have since flooded the box office line with ticket requests, almost guaranteeing a sell-out success when it opens for previews in early December. It’s been a quiet year for Keira, who’s kept her flawless face out of the papers thanks to a full-on schedule of filming and few red carpet appearances. However, it’ll be business as usual next year with four of the star’s films due for release, including the eagerly awaited London Boulevard, co-starring Colin Farrell and Anna Friel, and Never Let Me Go, alongside Charlotte Rampling and hot new face Carey Mulligan.
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Keira Knightley is set to move from the big screen to the boards of London’s West End — she has landed a role in a play! The British actress has bagged the lead role in a modern version of Moliere’s 17th century comedy The Misanthrope. The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 24, will play a vacuous Hollywood film star who seduces a disillusioned playwright. She will star alongside British actors Damian Lewis and Tara Fitzgerald. The production — which will run at the British capital’s Comedy Theatre from December 17 until March 13 — will be directed by Thea Sharrock whose credits include the West production of Equus, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths. Knightley is said to be “terrified but excited” about the play and has been taking voice and singing lessons to prepare for the role.