The National Theatre has released first look production images for Summerfolk, a new version of Maxim Gorky’s play adapted by Nina Raine and Moses Raine. The production, directed by Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie, is now running in the Olivier theatre until 29 April 2026.
The cast includes Rebecca Banatvala as Sasha, Thomas Barrett as Maxim Zimin, Tamika Bennett as Sonya, Pip Carter as Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin and Peter Forbes as Semyon Semyonich Dvoyetochiye. Joining them are Brandon Grace, Arthur Hughes, Sam Jenkins‑Shaw, Gwyneth Keyworth, Daniel Lapaine, Alex Lawther, Adelle Leonce, Doon Mackichan, Justine Mitchell, Paul Ready, Sophie Rundle, Sid Sagar and Richard Trinder, with ensemble members Ivan Ivashkin, Aisha‑Mae McCormick, Roisin Rae, Ellie Turner and Joe Usher.
Set in the summer of 1905, the play explores the privileged Russian elite who escape to the countryside for leisure and distraction. As they drink champagne, start affairs and enjoy the heat, Varvara begins to suspect that their carefree idyll cannot withstand the looming social upheaval that threatens to break their world apart.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Paul Pyant, sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, composer Nicola T. Chang, movement director Thomas Herron and music director Candida Caldicot. Bryony Jarvis‑Taylor CDG serves as casting director, with Joseph Bisat Marshall as associate set designer and Lilac Yosiphon as BSL and associate director.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
