The Cherry Orchard

Synopsis

The Cherry Orchard premiered at the Moscow Art Theatre 17 January 1904, on Chekhov's 44th birthday and only six months before his death. Overjoyed at being back at her large country house Madame Ranyevskaya is reassured to find the cherry orchard looking unchanged. But for how long? The family's wealth has gone and their only hope is to destroy the beloved orchard. The axes are ready to swing through the orchards of Russia ..

Our Review:

John Campbell - 4 April 2012

Andrew Hilton’s excellent production of Chekhov’s final play for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory confirms that he is as sensitive an interpreter of the great Russian as of Shakespeare: this is one of the funniest and most moving productions of the play you are likely to see. Hilton is helped by the space of course; in this intimate, compact theatre you feel you are in the nursery, in the glade with the characters. A theatre this small can be unforgiving of actors – you see them in almost cinematic close-up – but the performances show the ensemble working together brilliantly to illuminate Chekhov’s world.

Julia Hills’ Ranevskaya hits all the right notes: the childlike glee with which she greets her old nursery, the refusal to face up the reality of what needs to be done with the cherry orchard, the insensitivity of a woman who can put people down safe in the knowledge that her charm will ensure she is soon forgiven; the fears of...

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Latest User Review

Sarah McNair - 13 April 2012:

Please note, the translator's name is Mulrine - not Mulrane!...

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