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.

“It’s not a whim on her part. She’s absolutely ready to come into this vulnerable position,” Sharrock said of Knightley.

“I’m interested in working with her, to push her in a way that I don’t think she has been pushed before because although she has worked with amazing directors, film doesn’t work like that.”

Knightley is said to be “terrified but excited” about the play and has been taking voice and singing lessons to prepare for the role.

Kate Winslet feels sorry for today’s young stars — because they take such a beating in the press.

Referring to British actress Keira Knightley, Winslet told the latest edition of Marie Claire magazine, “It’s really, really tough.

“She’s fat, she’s thin, she’s married, she’s divorced — I had all of that and bouncing back is f***ing hard.

“I’m really, really happy I’m not a younger actor or actress working now because they have to run before they can walk.”

Keira Knightley loves food.

The British actress — who is often accused of having an eating disorder — insists she enjoys wolfing down greasy meals.

“I’m a big foodie,” she tells Australia’s Marie Claire. “In my family life, all good things revolve around the dinner table. My mum’s cooking is great. We have big dinners, and big everything. There’s nothing like a really good chip, a really crunchy, good chip. And I love pasta. I make Bolognese with tons and tons of Parmesan cheese.

“The other night, a friend was teaching me how to make an eggplant bake. I brought it out of the oven in this beautiful bowl – and dropped it. It smashed all over the kitchen, and I burst into tears.

“But 10 minutes later we were laughing about it. I mean, if I were Nigella Lawson, I would have licked it off the floor very seductively as opposed to bursting into tears.”

Keira Knightley insists she would never have an affair with any of her male co-stars — because they often turn into “brothers”.

The actress has shared the screen with the likes of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and James McAvoy.

But Knightley is adamant she’ll never get the chance to cheat on her British actor boyfriend Rupert Friend. (continue)

Keira Knightley is terrified that she’ll end up all on her own.

The Duchess star, 24, has been working so much that she is worried she has been neglecting her boyfriend, British actor Rupert Friend.

“It’s hard to have a relationship when you’re working so much,” Knightley dishes.

“But then you have to think, ‘What is actually important in life? Is career your only thing?’ If it is, then it’s easy, but if it isn’t that’s sad, because there’s going to come a day when you’re left lonely. It’s a difficult balance.”

Keira Knightley hates the Internet.

The British actress has hit out at “dehumanizing” social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook.

“I hate the Internet. I find it dehumanizing to constantly check emails or social sites which have become so fashionable,” she said.

The 24-year-old star also played down her star status. “I am not a celebrity,” Keira insisted. “I don’t go home or out with my friends saying I’m a celebrity, and I don’t ask to be treated like a queen.

“My mum and dad would not like that.”