Knightley has received mixed reviews for her West End debut in an updated production of Molieres 17th Century classic satire The Misanthrope, at Londons Comedy Theatre.f1

Talking to the BBC earlier this week, the Atonement star said she awaited to be ‘burned alive’ by the critics for her portrayal of a US film star.

QUENTIN LETTS – DAILY MAIL

Knightley may be one of 21st century cinemas honored objects, but on stage she demonstrates little better than adequate.

Her arrival on the West End in an fascinating (but intellectually disingenuous) treatment of Molieres Le Misanthrope is, ok, on the blunt side.

She has all the charisma of a useful goldfish. Miss Knightley has a flawless face, but it does not move about much.

In a film actress this is often an advantage, but on stage it is a snag. Its like giving a carpenter a blunt chisel.

CHARLES SPENCER – DAILY TELEGRAPH

In the early scenes, Knightley seems a touch experimental, lacking in both energy and presence.

In the second half however, in which she bitchily affronts a false friend and has a real humdinger of a row with the jealous Alceste, she uncovers both power and poignancy.

Knightley also makes you understand why Damian Lewiss splendid Alceste is so obsessed with the movie star, even if she represents everything he despises.

There is a mystery to Knightleys allure, and an charminh streak of mischief in her portrayal of the actress.f1

BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE – THE TIMES

Knightley catches the waywardness, sometimes the steel behind the velvety manner, the narcissistic love of care, but not the authority to explain how she can dominate a collecting by more than beauty.

Maybe the reason is physical. Shes so wispy she could fit into an umbrella stand. Maybe its a want of vox, Maybe a lack of the confidence that more time on stage may bring her.tisha

bbc keira keira knightley theatre