Unknown threat to Moss and Keira Knightley

As the critics take their seats for The Children’s Hour tonight, the gossip from the previews is that its two mega-star actresses - Oscar-nominated Keira Knightley and Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss – could be eclipsed by an unknown.
 
Bryony Hannah, 26, plays the malicious schoolgirl (above right) whose accusations of lesbianism threaten to ruin the lives of her teachers (Moss and Knightley) in Lillian Hellman’s 1934 play. In a canvassing of audience reactions by the Sunday Telegraph last weekend, there were lashings of praise for "that girl".
 
Hannah has refrained from gloating, instead gushing that Knightley and Moss are "tremendous, so hard-working, so humble. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They have taught me so much."
 
The Children’s Hour is running until April 30 at the Comedy Theatre, having already been extended by a month due to heavy demand. "It’s booked up like crazy," said a member of the sales team. "There are only a few seats for the next month of showings."
 
The show has been in preview for the last few weeks, but until tonight, the press have been barred from officially reviewing it.
 
At previews, many admitted coming purely for the celebrity factor. Moss, who was also in West Wing, where she played President Bartlet’s daughter, has rocketed to fame for her role as proto-feminist Peggy Olson in Mad Men. For Knightley, best known for her film roles in Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, this is her second West End production after The Misanthrope.
 
Will the play live up to the hype, and can the stars translate their screen appeal to the stage? Come back tomorrow to find out… ·