Chris Pine to make London stage debut in Ivanov

Chris Pine will make his London stage debut next summer in Ivanov at the Bridge Theatre.

The play marks Pine’s first time performing on stage in over a decade, and will be written and directed by Simon Stone after Anton Chekhov.

The story follows Nikolai Ivanov, a man who seems to have everything yet feels increasingly detached from his own life. His marriage is strained, his finances are faltering, and his sense of purpose is slipping away.

The production will begin previews on 4 July 2026 and run until 19 September, with an opening night set for 14 July. It is presented by London Theatre Company in collaboration with Wouter van Ransbeek.

Pine said: “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Simon on his new production of Chekhov’s Ivanov. I’m excited to bring this complex character and story to life and to take part in Simon’s singular creative process. It’s been over ten years since I was on stage and to be able to return to it in London at the Bridge Theatre is a thrill. I can’t wait to start.”

Stone’s production of The Lady from the Sea is currently running at the venue. He said today: “Chekhov is the master of finding the humour in our suffering and the crisis lurking underneath our joy. His writing beats with the heart of a great humanist, and his characters are gifts to complex, versatile actors.

“After admiring Chris from afar for a long time, it was a delight to discover that not only is he a thespian from way back but he’s uniquely sensitive and brilliantly intelligent too. Ivanov is the most knotty of his male characters, a challenge and a gift. I just can’t wait to unleash Chris’ version on London audiences.”

The creative team reunites from The Lady from the Sea, including designer Lizzie Clachan, costume designer Mel Page, composer and sound designer Stefan Gregory, lighting designer Nick Schlieper and casting director Jessica Ronane.

Further casting will be announced in due course.