Matthew Kelly stars in new adaptation of The Seagull at Southwark Playhouse

One of Chekhov’s most well-known plays, The Seagull is adapted for the 21st century by Anya Reiss, who won the award for Most Promising Playwright at both the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle awards for her debut play Spur of the Moment. Her other credits include The Acid Test and Forty Five Minutes.

A successful actress visits her brother’s isolated estate far from the city, throwing the frustrated residents unfulfilled ambitions into sharp relief. As her son attempts to impress with a self-penned play, putting much more than his pride at stake, others dream of fame, love and the ability to change their past.

This production, as part of Southwark Playhouse’s final season beneath the arches of London Bridge Station, marks Russell Bolam’s second play in the Main House this year following Philip Ridley’s Shivered. Bolam’s other credits include The Road to Mecca, The Roman Bath (Arcola) and Captain Oates’ Left Sock (Finborough).

The cast includes Olivier-Award Winner Matthew Kelly as Dorn. His theatre credits include Of Mice and Men, for which he won the Olivier award for Best Actor, Educating Rita, Legally Blonde, Buried Child and Waiting for Godot.

Further casting is to be announced.

The Seagull runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 1 December 2012.