Summerfolk National Theatre Full Cast Announced

National Theatre Unveils Star-Studded Cast for New Adaptation of "Summerfolk"

The National Theatre has announced the full company for its highly anticipated revival of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk. This new version, adapted by the sibling writing duo Nina Raine (Consent) and *Moses Raine (Donkey Heart), is set to be a centerpiece of the 2026 spring season at the Olivier Theatre.

Directed by the National’s Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), the production promises a "razor-sharp" look at class, privilege, and the moral inertia of an elite clinging to comfort while a social storm gathers.

A Powerhouse Leading Quartet

The production is anchored by four of the UK's most versatile stage and screen actors:

• Alex Lawther: Known globally for The End of the F*ing World and The Imitation Game, Lawther returns to the stage to play Vlass Mikhailich.

• Sophie Rundle: The Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack star takes on the pivotal role of Varvara Mikhailovna, the woman who senses their idyllic holiday is built on borrowed time.

• Paul Ready: Best known for his comedic turn in Motherland and his intense performance in The Terror, Ready portrays Sergei Vassilich Bassov.

• Doon Mackichan: The Smack the Pony and Two Doors Down veteran joins the ensemble as Kaleria.

The Full Ensemble and Creative Team

The cast also features a deep bench of talent, including:

• Paul Ready as Sergei Vassilich Bassov

• Gwyneth Keyworth as Olga Alekseyevna

• Arthur Hughes as Pyotr Ivanich Suslov

• Daniel Lapaine as Yakov Petrovich Shalimov

• Rebecca Banatvala (Sasha), Thomas Barrett (Maxim Zimin), Tamika Bennett (Sonya), and Pip Carter (Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin).

The ensemble is completed by Ivan Ivashkin, Aisha-Mae McCormick, Roisin Rae, Ellie Turner, and Joe Usher.

On the creative side, Hastie is joined by a renowned team:

• Set and Costume Design: Peter McKintosh

• Lighting Design: Paul Pyant

• Sound Design: Alexandra Faye Braithwaite

• Composer: Nicola T. Chang

• Movement Director: Thomas Herron

A Story of Denial in 1905

Set during a sweltering Russian summer in 1905, the play depicts a group of Russia’s "nouveau riche" retreating to the countryside to swim, sip champagne, and engage in affairs. While they distract themselves with hedonism, the political and social foundations of their world are beginning to crumble.

This production follows the National Theatre's trend of reimagining classics with a biting, contemporary edge. By pairing the Raines' sharp dialogue with Gorky's prophetic source material, Summerfolk is being positioned as a timely reflection on the dangers of social detachment.

Performance Details

Summerfolk will run at the Olivier Theatre from March 6 to April 29, 2026, with an official press night scheduled for March 17. Tickets range from £20 to £89, with several assisted performances (BSL, Captioned, and Audio Described) scheduled throughout the run.

Source - https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/summerfolk-announces-full-cast-alex-lawther-doon-mackichan-paul-ready-sophie-rundle

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