A Comedy in Four Acts
in a new version by David Lan (2000)

**Hugh Vanstone wins the Olivier Award for Best Lighting Design**

'A cracking production... fine performances all round' Daily Express

'Trevor Nunn again proves that he is master of the classics... during first rate productions like this you almost forget you are watching acting' Daily Telegraph

'From the opening moments it is an engrossing experience... an inspiring piece of ensemble work' Observer

'It's not enough to say that the production is full of exquisite acting. It brims over with the stuff' Financial Times

'Trevor Nunn has cast a revolutionary light upon Chekhov's great comedy of farewells... the production seethes with bustle, energy and action' Evening Standard

Stephen Moore and Vanessa Redgrave play brother and sister, Leonid and Lyubov, in a new production of Chekhov's final and greatest play. They are part of an outstanding cast, many of whom have been seen recently in leading roles at the National.

The Gaev family face bankruptcy and the loss of their estate. Even so, they refuse to sell their largest asset, their famous cherry orchard.

The old world is giving way to the new, but the Gaevs seem not to have noticed the bewildering changes in the Russian way of life. The fate of the beautiful orchard becomes a symbol of the fate of all of the characters in this unassailable masterpiece.

Read the transcript of Trevor Nunn's Talkshow Platform on The Cherry Orchard by clicking here

Trevor Nunn's recent productions include Albert Speer, The Merchant of Venice and Summerfolk.

David Lan's version of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya was staged at the Young Vic in 1998.

Running time is 3 hours 5 minutes with a 20 minute interval.

Past National productions of The Cherry Orchard.

Photo (detail) by Chloe Obolensky