AN actress who has starred alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names will be centre stage as two plays by one of Britain’s best-loved play-writes are performed for the first time in Durham.

Felicity Dean appeared alongside Michael Caine and Al Pacino in ‘1776’ and ‘The Whistleblower’ respectively, and has appeared on the silver screen alongside other big names including Oliver Reed, Judi Dench, Billy Connolly and Charlton Heston.

Felicity, currently starring in ‘Queen Elizabeth I’ on Channel 5, will star as the lead role in ‘Footfalls’ by Samuel Beckett, which will be performed as part of a double-bill with another Beckett play, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’.

They will take to the stage to perform ‘Two By Beckett’ on June 23 and 24 at Assembly Rooms Theatre, in Durham, as part of the Durham Festival of Arts.

Felicity said: “I have always loved the theatre. It is very different to film where everything is done in advance. In the theatre you can straight away gauge the audience’s reaction and if you are on the right track.

“It can terrify me as well, which is a good thing. I think you should do at least one thing a year that terrifies you – where there is fear there is growth and you learn through experiences like that.

“There are a lot of fantastic actors I have had the pleasure of working with, including Michael Caine and Al Pacino, who remains a good friend. I have had my education in acting through artists and actors. I have worked with wonderful people.”

She added: “I am so looking forward to bringing this play to Durham for the festival.”