Kristin Scott Thomas to star in THE CHERRY ORCHARD this autumn

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 2 April, 2026, 14:46

Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard is coming to the Harold Pinter Theatre this autumn, in a brand new production by Ian Rickson and Conor McPherson, with Kristin Scott Thomas starring in the lead role.

Kristin Scott Thomas. Photo by Jon Compson.

About The Cherry Orchard

The last play written by the great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, in 1903, The Cherry Orchard follows aristocratic Russian landowner Lyubov Ranevskaya, who returns to her childhood estate after years abroad. There she finds her family home and beloved cherry orchard under threat from a changing world. As old loyalties falter and new ambitions rise, will she be able to escape the pull of memory and embrace the future? Chekhov’s play captures a world in transition, a theme that remains as resonant as ever.

The new production

This new production of The Cherry Orchard is an adaptation by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl from the North Country, Uncle Vanya) and will be directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominated director Ian Rickson (Uncle Vanya, Jerusalem, The Weir), with BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning actor Kristin Scott Thomas (Electra, Slow Horses, Four Weddings and a Funeral) playing the role of Lyubov Ranevskaya.

Rickson and McPherson previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed 2020 production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, which also played at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Scott Thomas also played Arkadina in Rickson’s acclaimed production of Chekhov's The Seagull at the Royal Court and on Broadway. The pair have also worked together on Elektra, Betrayal, and the world premiere of Lyonesse at the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2023.

Kristin Scott Thomas

Most recently known for her role as MI5 agent Diana Taverner on Slow Horses, Scott Thomas has previously won a BAFTA and Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Four Weddings and a Funeral, a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Darkest Hour, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for The English Patient.‍ She also recently made her directorial film debut with My Mother’s Wedding starring Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Emily Beecham.

The Cherry Orchard will play at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 3rd October 2026 until 9th January 2027. Further casting will be announced in due course.

The Cherry Orchard Tickets