MAJOR UK TOUR OF GRIPPING NEW ADAPTATION OF THE CLASSIC FILM NOIR THRILLER 

9 October 2025

Hollywood star Mischa Barton (The O.C.) makes her long-awaited UK stage debut as the ultimate femme fatale in Double Indemnity, a darkly compelling new stage adaptation of one of the greatest crime novels of the 20th century, written by James M. Cain.

The story that inspired Billy Wilder’s legendary film noir masterpiece opens at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre on 5 February 2026 and then travels to cities and towns in the UK and Ireland until May. General On Sale Friday 10 October.

Mischa Barton said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the stage and making my UK theatre debut in ‘Double Indemnity’. This classic film noir favourite is a gripping tale of deceit, tension, and suspense and I cannot wait to step into the role of Phyllis and share her with audiences across the UK and Ireland for the first time.”

Set in Los Angeles during the 1930s, amidst the wreckage of the Great Depression, Double Indemnity follows Walter Huff, a sharp-eyed insurance salesman who has built his career spotting scams. But when he meets the dangerously seductive Phyllis Nirdlinger (Barton) to discuss her husband’s life insurance policy, he is drawn into a web of lust, greed, and betrayal.

Together, they plot the perfect crime: murder the husband, cash in the policy, and vanish into the Californian sunset. But passion clouds judgment and guilt corrodes even the most perfect of plans. As their conspiracy unravels and mistrust festers, Walter and Phyllis find themselves battling not only the law, but each other.

James M. Cain’s thrillingly amoral masterpiece of murder, deceit, and desire is adapted for the stage by Tom Holloway and directed by Oscar Toeman, promising a razor-sharp, atmospheric reimagining of one of the most iconic crime stories ever written. Further casting will be announced soon.

Double Indemnity brings together the glamour and danger of old Hollywood with the tension and allure of classic noir storytelling. A must-see event that will immerse audiences in a world of danger, desire and double-crossing hearts.

Double Indemnity is produced by Trafalgar Theatre Productions.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY – UK & IRELAND TOUR

5 – 7 February EASTBOURNE DEVONSHIRE PARK ON SALE 10 October
10 – 14 February NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL ON SALE 17 October
17 – 21 February CREWE LYCEUM THEATRE ON SALE 10 October
3 – 7 March RICHMOND THEATRE ON SALE 21 October
10 – 14 March THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON ON SALE 21 October
24 – 28 March DUBLIN GAIETY ON SALE 17 October
31 March – 4 April SOUTHEND PALACE THEATRE ON SALE 10 October
7 – 11 April WYCOMBE SWAN THEATRE ON SALE 10 October
21 – 25 April CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY ON SALE 10 October
28 April – 2 May MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE ON SALE 21 October
5 – 9 May CARDIFF NEW THEATRE ON SALE 10 October