The Seagull

The Seagull photos

The Seagull description

About The Seagull

The Seagull is a play by the famous Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov. He wrote it in 1895 and it was staged for the first time in a year later. This is one of Chekhov's four major plays, but in fact the opening night of the first ever production was a legendary failure. The actress playing Nina was so intimidated by the audience's hostile reception of the piece that she lost her voice, and the playwright fled behind the scenes and hid. When the production later became a massive hit, Chekhov didn't actually believe his friends' reports. He would, no doubt, have been thrilled to see his play staged more than a hundred and twenty years later, and appreciated more than ever.

What's the story of The Seagull?

Nina is desperate for fame and fortune. She's determined to flee from the horrible drudgery and boredom of everyday life. Elsewhere a young man dreams of the girl he adores. Then there's a successful author who just isn't 'feeling' it, despite doing very well, and an actress who wants time to stand still. This dramatic combination created by Chekhov plus Anna Reiss' freshly-creative adaptation brings the production to roaring life. Welcome to a country house, a place where dreams are broken, hearts destroyed and ambitions smashed, a place where lonely is the name of the game.

Who is starring in The Seagull?

Emilia Clark is the star of the show, and this is her theatreland debut. She has thrilled us in Game of Thrones plus Solo: A Star Wars Story, Me Before You, and Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway.

Who is on the The Seagull creative team?

This is a new version adapted by Anya Reiss. It is actually her second adaptation of The Seagull, the first in 2012 winning her a Most Promising Playwright Award at the Critics Circle and at the Evening Standard. Following on from his critically-acclaimed production of Cyrano de Bergerac, it's also the director Jamie Lloyd Company’s second show in the Playhouse Season. The design comes from Soutra Gilmour.

What are people saying about The Seagull?

• What's On Stage - “I am over the moon to be playing Nina in Jamie Lloyd's interpretation of The Seagull.” (Emilia Clark)
• The Playhouse Theatre - “The Seagull is a classic work of drama that is essential viewing for all theatre-lovers.”
• What's On Stage - “The Jamie Lloyd Company’s second show in the Playhouse Season sees Anya Reiss propel Chekhov’s tale of ambition, love, loneliness and fame into the 21st century.”

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Playing at Harold Pinter Theatre (venue info)

6 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DN GB

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Performance Times for The Seagull