The Cherry Orchard at Swan Theatre Review
Written by Roni for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Anton Chekhov and his works are often regarded as some of the great masterpieces of world theatre, and The Cherry Orchard is no exception. The RSC’s 2026 production from Laura Wade, directed by Tamara Harvey, is the latest in attempts to turn what can feel like a tedious script in a contemporary world, into an eventful production about humour and humanity. Have they done enough to captivate a modern-day audience with a 120-year-old text?
The story follows Madame Ranyevskaya, who returns to her family estate after several years in Paris, accompanied by the news that crippling debts threaten both her home and her beloved cherry orchard. Unless the family can raise a significant sum in a relatively short space of time, the estate full of memories will be sold at auction. Lopakhin, the now millionaire son of the estate’s former serf, proposes cutting down the orchard to lease the land for holiday cottages, but sentiment and nostalgia prevent the former mistress from accepting the inevitable. Around them, relatives, servants and associates hold poignant discussions about love, regrets and the changing social order whilst they await the sealing of their fates. But what will become of them after the auction?
One of the productions greatest strengths is undoubtedly its visual presentation. Anna Fleischle’s set is both beautiful and understated, capturing the faded grandeur of the once bold and proud household without detracting from the action. The changing seasons are suggested with a certain elegance, with the atmospheric lighting gradually transforming the stage from an open, whitewashed domestic space into something far more melancholy. Together, these design elements give the audience the evocative sense of a soon-to-be obsolete order slipping away into history, which has a real charm.
Unfortunately, if there is a weakness, it lies not within the production but with Chekhov’s play itself. For all its thematic richness and conveying of historical significance, The Cherry Orchard remains frustratingly short on any compelling action. Much of the run time is devoted to conversations surrounding past events or emotions, rather than the experiencing of any present events, and moments that ought to carry enormous dramatic weight are often somewhat glossed over. Audiences looking for a gripping plot or sustained tension will not find it here, in a play that could fittingly be renamed ‘Russian Family Moves House’. That being said, there is an artistic beauty still to be found here – if only more in the craftsmanship than any emotional investment in the story.
Kenneth Branagh is the evening’s standout performer as Lopakhin, bringing humour and emotional complexity to a character torn between compassion and ambition. His performance gives the play much of its limited dramatic drive and gives the audience a much-needed increase of pace at times. Helen Hunt delivers a graceful Madame Ranyevskaya, capturing both the character’s charm and her inability to confront reality beautifully. Guy Henry lends a gentle yet effective comic timing to Pishchik, while Michael Elwyn is both amusing and moving as the elderly servant Firs, whose final appearance provides on of the production’s most affecting moments. In truth, there are no weak leaks anywhere in the ensemble, with strong support also coming from Alfred Enoch’s thoughtful Trofimov and Esther Smith’s relatable portrayal of Varya.
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 Cherry Orchard plays at the Swan Theatre until 29 August.
★ ★ ★ ★
