Full Cast for Summerfolk at the National Theatre Announced

'Summerfolk' Announces Full Cast Including Alex Lawther, Doon Mackichan, Paul Ready, and Sophie Rundle

The National Theatre has officially confirmed the full company for its highly anticipated revival of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk. Joining the previously teased lead quartet of Alex Lawther, Doon Mackichan, Paul Ready, and Sophie Rundle is a massive ensemble of over 20 performers, set to bring this biting satirical masterpiece to life in the Olivier theatre.

The production, which runs from March 6 to April 29, 2026, features a new adaptation by the acclaimed sibling writing team Nina Raine (Consent) and Moses Raine (Donkey Heart).

A Star-Studded Lineup

Directed by the National Theatre’s Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), the 2026 production marks a significant return for Gorky’s work to the South Bank. The lead cast members will take on the following central roles:

• Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders) stars as Varvara Mikhailovna, the woman at the heart of the story who begins to see the cracks in her social circle's idyllic retreat.

• Alex Lawther (Alien: Earth) plays Vlass Mikhailich.

• Doon Mackichan (Good Omens) takes on the role of Kaleria.

• Paul Ready (Motherland) portrays Sergei Vassilich Bassov.

The wider company includes Rebecca Banatvala (Sasha), Thomas Barrett (Maxim Zimin), Tamika Bennett (Sonya), Pip Carter (Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin), Peter Forbes (Semyon Semyonich Dvoyetochiye), Brandon Grace (Nikolai Petrovich Zamislov), Arthur Hughes (Pyotr Ivanich Suslov), and Gwyneth Keyworth (Olga Alekseyevna).

A Portrait of Class and Denial

Set during the sweltering Russian summer of 1905, Summerfolk is a razor-sharp examination of the elite as they lounge in the countryside, sipping champagne and engaging in frivolous affairs while a social and political storm gathers on the horizon. The Raines' new version is described as a "biting portrait of class, privilege, and denial," highlighting the eerie parallels between Gorky’s turn-of-the-century characters and modern society.

The creative team supporting Hastie includes set and costume designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Paul Pyant, and sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, with original music composed by Nicola T. Chang.

Ticket Information and Access

Performances begin in the Olivier theatre on March 6, with an official press night scheduled for March 17, 2026. Ticket prices range from £20 to £89, with special preview pricing available during the first week of the run.

The National Theatre has also scheduled several assisted performances to ensure the production is accessible to all:

• Captioned: March 28 (2pm), April 8 (7.30pm), April 22 (7.30pm)

• Audio Described: April 4 (2pm), April 20 (7.30pm)

• Integrated BSL: April 16 (7.30pm)

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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