The show is the second production in the delayed three-play West End residency from the Jamie Lloyd Company, which is making its mark placing famous actors in bold re-interpretations of classic plays. The season, which was meant to run entirely at the Playhouse Theatre, began in 2019 with a bravura take on Cyrano de Bergerac starring James McAvoy. Then the pandemic happened, and both The Seagull and a new version of A Doll's House starring Jessica Chastain as Nora were postponed. The season has now been partially reinstated, running at the Harold Pinter Theatre, with James McAvoy reprising his role in the French classic ahead of The Seagull's run in June.
With Anya Reiss adapting, Jamie Lloyd directing and Emilia Clarke bringing star power, this new interpretation of The Seagull promises to 'propel Chekhov’s tale of ambition, love, loneliness and fame into the 21st century'.
Enthusing about the project, Clarke said: 'I’ve long been a fan of the singular vision [Jamie Lloyd] brings to each of his masterful productions and the way he approaches classical texts. We are so lucky to be working with Anya’s brilliant adaptation, as she brings a light touch of modernity to this beautifully crafted play.'
Set in an isolated country house, the play follows an ageing actress, a young women hungry for fame, a young man struck by love and a unsatisfied but successful writer. As hope grows futile, and proximity breeds bitterness, the tensions between the characters become insurmountable.
Themes of futility and frustration give The Seagull modern resonance so it will be thrilling to see how the play translates into a 21st-century setting.
| What | The Seagull, Harold Pinter Theatre |
| Where | Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4DN | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Embankment (underground) |
| When |
29 Jun 22 – 10 Sep 22, Times TBD |
| Price | £15 - £100+ |
| Website | Click here for more information |
