Madonna posed for arty black and white shots

The plot revolves around an art dealer's manipulation of friends and colleagues when a Jackson Pollock painting goes on the market.

It will be the singer's first stage role since 1988 when she appeared in David Mamet's Speed the Plow.

Her screen acting roles have not met with acclaim, so this move to the stage could mark a new direction.

The play - written by David Williamson - has already been a massive success in Australia, breaking box office records in Sydney.

The cast of seven are directed by Laurence Boswell, whose recent credits include A Day In The Life Of Joe Egg and Popcorn, by Ben Elton.

Technical problems

Boswell said rehearsals were going well: "Everyone is extremely relaxed. It's a wonderful company."

Previews of the show, which also stars Tom Irwin, begin on 13 May at Wyndham's Theatre and the production has its official opening 10 days later.

Previews were postponed because of technical hold-ups.

Daytime performances were also dropped due to the singer's recording commitments.