Kristin Scott Thomas stars in Cherry Orchard revival

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 00:27 · Archive

Kristin Scott Thomas is starring in a London revival of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Kristin Scott Thomas is starring opposite Stephen Mangan in Ian Rickson's London revival of Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The play centres on aristocrat Ranevskaya, played by Scott Thomas, who returns to Russia after five years in Paris to find her family estate and cherry orchard under threat. Lopakhin, played by Mangan, attempts to persuade her to sell the land to settle her debts.

Dame Kristin has admitted she struggles with disruptive theatregoers. When asked if she would personally interrupt a performance to speak out about poor audience etiquette, she told the Press Association: 'Probably not because that would interrupt what I'm doing. It's really hard sometimes. I can't stand it. I have to really control myself.' Her comments follow recent instances of performers, including Cate Blanchett and Rosamund Pike, directly challenging audience members for texting or filming during shows.

Despite her frustration with some audience members, Scott Thomas praised London theatregoers overall. She said audiences are 'particularly brilliant' and 'listen', describing this as 'part of the culture'. The Guardian's review noted that Scott Thomas brings 'hard-edged modernity' to the role of Ranevskaya, bringing a contemporary feel to the character despite Chekhov's references to dachas and peasants.

How it is being reported

• The Cherry Orchard review – Kristin Scott Thomas makes a modern matriarch in trad, earthy ChekhovHarold Pinter theatre, London This Ranevskaya feels of our time but Conor McPherson’s plain-speaking adaptation, co-starring Stephen Mangan, doesn’t always hit you emotionally There have been several starry Madame Ranevskayas in recent times. The prodigal Russian landowner, returning to her beloved estate and cherry orchard, was searingly played by Nina Hoss in 2024 and less memorably by Helen Hunt this summer . Now here is Kristin Scott Thomas, who brings a hard-edged modernity that you believe in. She feels of our time, despite the references to dachas and peasants, and could be an…The Guardian · 14 Oct, 00:01
• Kristin Scott Thomas says she ‘can’t stand’ poor theatre etiquetteShe is starring opposite Stephen Mangan in a revival of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard at the Harold Pinter Theatre.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Kristin Scott Thomas · Stephen Mangan · Anton Chekhov · Harold Pinter Theatre · Ian Rickson · Conor McPherson

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem