Cate Blanchett is to return to the UK stage for the first time in seven years when she makes her debut at the National Theatre in a new play by Martin Crimp.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Australian actor, who lives with her family in East Sussex, has been cast with Stephen Dillane in a production to be directed by Katie Mitchell.

Blanchett is an experienced stage actor and with her husband, Andrew Upton, was in charge of the Sydney Theatre Company from 2008-2013.