Fiennes returns to the National, where he most recently was seen in the title role of Oedipus, to play Jack Tanner, a celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor. In the play, he seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary.

Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his.

Simon Godwin's production also features Tim McMullan, Indira Varma, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Nicholas Bishop, Faye Castelow, Clare Gifford, Naomi Cransten, Henry Everett, Colin Haigh, Nick Hendrix, Corey Johnson, Christine Kavanagh, Mary Keegan, Ferdinand Kingsley, Nicholas le Prevost, Simon Markey and Arthur Wilson.

The production is designed by Christopher Oram, with lighting by James Farncombe, video design by Luke Halls, music by Michael Bruce, movement direction by Jonathan Goddard, sound by Christopher Shutt and illusions by Daren Lang. 

To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7452 3000 or visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.