Discover what is being said about this revival of Chekhov’s play starring Helen Hunt and Kenneth Branagh.
Broadway World: “It’s a daring decision of Wade and director Tamara Harvey – who’ve collaborated on The Constant Wife (RSC) and Home, I’m Darling (National Theatre) – to emphasise the comedic elements of the play. To be fair Chekhov described his plays as comedies, but now that we’re aware of the weight of history embedded in his works, we tend to dwell on the tragedy.”
WhatsOnStage: “Helen Hunt’s Ranyevskaya is convincingly brittle and stoical simultaneously, and her relationship with Bill Pullman as her brother is constantly interesting and tender. Alfred Enoch is delightfully earnest and gawky as the proto-revolutionary student Trofimov, Guy Henry and Andy Rush make the most of the comedy in their roles, while Esther Smith delivers a heartbreaking Varya, on the receiving end of Lopakhin’s vacillating suitor whose real affections clearly lie elsewhere.”
The Guardian: “There is so much bustling on stage too and not enough languor. No one seems to feel any Chekhovian longueurs or ennui – not on that side of the stage anyway.”
Theatre & Tonic: “Overall, this is a well presented production typical of the standard expected of the RSC, which demonstrates that The Cherry Orchard can be rewarding for audiences when placed in the hands of artists of this calibre. Harvey’s assured direction combined with the evocative design and a superb ensemble cast elevate material that can sadly at times feel static. Although Chekhov’s elusive style can prevent the play from becoming truly gripping, the performances and production value make this a thoughtful and polished production.”
The Stage: “Kenneth Branagh and Helen Hunt star in elegant, but underpowered Chekhov.”
All That Dazzles: “Something just felt a bit cold and unengaging about it all, as if it would be enough to bring together some brilliant actors and just say ‘act some Chekhov!’. But unfortunately, this tragicomedy-minus-the-comedy just doesn’t quite hit its stride and instead labours its way through what could otherwise have been a truly mesmerising theatrical event.”
British Theatre Guide: “The exquisite comedy works with its inimitable, meaningful inconsequentialities, the eccentricities of Guy Henry as the landowner Pishchik and Andy Rush’s Yepikhodov, whose world is going to hell in his personal handcart. But Stanislavski would not have approved.”
The Telegraph: “Branagh’s magnetic Lopakhin is the highlight of Laura Wade’s new version of Chekhov’s final play.”
WhatsOnLive.co.uk: “The Cherry Orchard is a sweeping tidal wave of a production, perfectly suited to the intimate auditorium of the Swan. It carries its audience forward, from its engaging first scene, opening a window onto the lives of its characters, until the sun finally sets on the household and the orchard.”
The Stratford Observer: “This production, with its famous faces and knockabout visual comedy will send the packed audiences home delighted to have been there. It’s a success in these terms, but is by no means the great piece of theatre its resources and opportunity may have promised.”
The Upcoming: “The individual performances of this stellar ensemble leave little to be desired in terms of delivery. However, those who dare to look beyond the actor currently speaking may notice moments when concentration wanes for some performers waiting for their next entrance into the scene.”
To find out more and to book tickets visit: https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-cherry-orchard