National Theatre releases rehearsal photos for Summerfolk

The National Theatre has released a look inside rehearsals of a new version of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk.

This revival is adapted by Nina Raine and Moses Raine, and directed by deputy artistic director, Robert Hastie.

Set in 1905, the play follows a group of wealthy Russians who escape to the countryside for the summer, spending their days socialising and pursuing relationships while remaining detached from events beyond their immediate world. As the season progresses, Varvara becomes increasingly aware of the instability underpinning their retreat and the wider tensions approaching.

The cast includes Rebecca Banatvala as Sasha, Thomas Barrett as Maxim Zimin, Tamika Bennett as Sonya, Pip Carter as Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin, Peter Forbes as Semyon Semyonich Dvoyetochiye, Brandon Grace as Nikolai Petrovich Zamislov, Arthur Hughes as Pyotr Ivanich Suslov, Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Kropilkin, Gwyneth Keyworth as Olga Alekseyevna, Daniel Lapaine as Yakov Petrovich Shalimov, Alex Lawther as Vlass Mikhailich, Adelle Leonce as Yulia Filipovna, Doon Mackichan as Kaleria, Justine Mitchell as Maria Lvovna, Paul Ready as Sergei Vassilich Bassov, Sophie Rundle as Varvara Mikhailovna, Sid Sagar as Kirill Akimovich Dudakov and Richard Trinder as Pustobaika.

Ivan Ivashkin, Aisha-Mae McCormick, Roisin Rae, Ellie Turner and Joe Usher complete the ensemble.

The production will run in the Olivier theatre from 6 March to 29 April 2026, with a press performance on 17 March.

The creative team includes set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Paul Pyant, sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, composer Nicola T Chang, movement director Thomas Herron, music director Candida Caldicot, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, voice coaches Shereen Ibrahim and Zoe Littleton, associate set designer Joseph Bisat Marshall, and BSL and staff director Lilac Yosiphon.