Image copyright Reuters Image caption Kevin Spacey was at the Academy awards earlier this month - and appeared in the Oscars selfie

US actor Kevin Spacey is to star in a one-man show at London's Old Vic to mark 10 years as artistic director of the institution.

The Oscar winner, who is due to step down from his role next year, will star in Clarence Darrow, a play about a pioneering 19th Century lawyer.

The 54-year-old said he was "thrilled" to be returning to the stage of the "very special theatre".

Preview performances of the one-hander will start on 28 May.

The production will be directed by Thea Sharrock, who took charge of the Christmas edition of BBC One drama Call The Midwife.

Spacey has called her "one of the most exciting directors of her generation".

The actor played the character on stage 22 years ago and in a film for US broadcaster PBS.

He has also appeared in numerous Old Vic productions in the past - including the title role in Richard III, directed by Sam Mendes.

The Old Vic's summer and autumn season will also include a production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, which will be directed by Yael Farber and is due to open in July.

Kristin Scott Thomas will also star in a new take on Sophocles' Greek tragedy Electra, to be directed by Ian Rickson.

American Beauty star Spacey added: "I know our audience will be excited by this programme and I can't wait to be back on stage myself."