Keira Knightley makes West End debut in The Misanthrope

London, Dec 18 (ANI): It was the D-day for Keira Knightley as she made her West End debut.

Celebrity pals and boyfriend Rupert Friend turned up at the theatre to encourage the Pirates Of The Caribbean star, reports the Mirror.

This is the first time that the 24-year-old actress is professionally appearing on the stage in a modern version of Moliere's The Misanthrope.

In the production, adapted by Martin Crimp, Knightley plays Jennifer, an ambitious American film star, who bags the attention of a renowned British playwright, played by Damian Lewis.

The cast of the play also includes well-known actress Tara Fitzgerald.

Thea Sharrock has directed the act.

The play, where the scene of action has been shifted from 17th century Paris to present day London, will run at The Comedy Theatre until March 13, 2010. (ANI)