The Cherry Orchard

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BILL KENWRIGHT & THEATRE ROYAL WINDSOR PRESENTS

A UNIQUE SEASON LED BY ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR SEAN MATHIAS WITH ONE COMPANY OF ACTORS IN TWO OF THEATRE’S GREATEST PLAYS

Ranevskya returns following a five-year absence to discover her estate, including her beloved cherry orchard, are to be auctioned off to pay debts accrued by the family in Chekhov’s theatrical masterpiece. Francesca Annis stars as Ranevskya, Ian McKellen as Firs and Jenny Seagrove as Gaev.

Staged in a new format never seen before at Theatre Royal Windsor, including a limited number of on-stage seats to be made available closer to performances dates, this is your exclusive opportunity to experience world-class theatre up-close.

Sean Mathias said: “The return of British theatre from the long dark night of COVID 19 has rightly been one of our biggest cultural conversations of the last year. Now, as more rays of hope begin to appear, everyone in the industry is determined to help our precious artform explode back into life. We trust that by bringing together this exceptional ensemble to present two of the greatest plays of all time we will play our part in this revival, and on a personal note I can’t think of a more invigorating way to mark my first season as artistic director of the Theatre Royal Windsor Season.”

Ian McKellen said: “I’ve acted in both these masterpieces before – and seen them scores of times. They are in that select group of classic plays which bear, even demand, a regular look, even reappraisal, by actors, directors, producers – and audiences. How can Hamlet be played by an 80 year old? I hope theatre-starved audiences will want to find out!”

Bill Kenwright said: “Sean, Ian and I started this journey, during the first lockdown last summer. At that time it was not to be, but while we will continue to work in steadfast accordance with government and scientific guidelines, and the safety of all our priority, we are hugely optimistic that our rehearsals will lead us to a pretty historic opening on June 21st at 7:30pm.”

Please note: All performances of The Cherry Orchard are on sale with no social distancing in place.

For further information regarding our Covid measures, please visit our Covid Customer information page, which is continually reviewed and updated in accordance to the latest guidance issued by the Government.

Theatre Royal Windsor been certified as a “See It Safely” approved venue by industry body UK Theatre.