When you think of Anton Chekhov you expect a play of undefined logic and conflicting perspectives.
Whilst mixing comedy with suffering often leaving the questions unanswered.
The Cherry Orchard is one of Chekhov’s most recognisable plays and his last before his death. Written in 1903 published in 1904 it has been adapted and remastered for audiences over the years. This new adaptation by Conor McPherson has arrived at the Harold Pinter Theatre with a stellar cast, Stephen Mangan as Lopakhin, Kristen Scott Thomas as Lyubov Andreevna (Luba) and Ruby Bentall as Sharlotta.
Act one is slow to form as the story takes time to build; there is an air of uncertainty at the end of this Act questioning, does McPherson and Ian Rickson’s adaptation work.
Act two improves, the cast relax into character and soon it emerges that this contemporary approach breathes new life into Chekhov’s characters and their struggles, allowing modern audiences to connect with their anxieties, ambitions and emotional contradictions. At its core the play continues to explore the tension between nostalgia and progress, the fragility of privilege, and the difficulty of letting go of a world that no longer exists. Each character offers a different audience perspective and a conundrum; what is the preference, that this version remains authentic to the original or adapt it to appeal to audiences experiencing Chekov’s work for the first time. The casting seems a strange choice; the heart of the play is the ‘story’ not the individual’s performance. It works mostly, but the warmth and depth of Luba’s character was somewhat lacking; it felt you wanted more from her. The Irish influence and humour were a welcomed addition. There is strong language and references to violence mellowed with the musicality which was a welcomed sight in Act Two.
Standout performances from Megan Cusack, Dunyasha, Firs Karl Johnson, and Varya Vinette Robinson.
The lighting and music elevated the tension, and frustrations within the family and added the drama you would expect.
The set suited the Pinter theatre and provided that authentic Russian period of a once decorated home filled with garniture, laughter and music. With more dialogue than music the cast and production team need to ensure the delivery hits the mark every time. The challenge lies in striking a balance between innovation and preservation: embracing contemporary language, perspectives and theatrical techniques while remaining faithful to the emotional depth and underlying intentions of the original.
This play had many moments of achieving this successfully, highlighting how Chekov’s work continues to shape our lives, and how human struggles continues the modem world.
While its presentation may be reimagined for a new generation, McPherson and Rickson have captured the enduring spirit of The Cherry Orchard ensuring it remains intact.
Writer: Anton Chekhov
Adapted by Conor McPherson
Directed by Ian Rickson
Set Designer: Chloe Lamford
This play commences at 7.30pm 2hrs 30mins 20-minute Interval
Runs 3rd October 2026 – 9th January 2027
Booking Link https://wwwatgtickets.com/shows/the-cherry-orchard/harold-pinter-theatre/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 14th October 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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