Kristin Scott Thomas plays Madame Ranevskaya, a Russian landowner returning to her estate, in a new production of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" at the Harold Pinter theatre in London. Director Ian Rickson and adapter Conor McPherson, who previously collaborated on "Uncle Vanya" six years ago, bring a contemporary sensibility to the classic play.
Scott Thomas portrays the character as a modern figure, described as feeling "of our time" despite the play's references to Russian dachas and peasants. The Guardian's review notes she could convincingly be cast as an upper-middle-class Chelsea mother or minister's wife, embodying regret and an unfulfilled life. Stephen Mangan co-stars in the production.
McPherson's adaptation favors plain-speaking language. Rickson's direction is described as elegant. Set designer Chloe Lamford creates a crumbling drawing room marked by damp patches and faded grandeur, reinforcing the atmosphere of decay and lost status central to Chekhov's story.
The review positions Scott Thomas's performance among recent notable portrayals of Ranevskaya. Nina Hoss played the role in 2024 and received praise for a "searing" performance. Helen Hunt played the character this summer in what the review characterizes as a less memorable interpretation.
The review finds Scott Thomas's interpretation convincing and her modernized portrayal effective. However, the critic notes that while the production is "handsome and engaging," McPherson's adaptation "doesn't always hit you emotionally," suggesting the new version succeeds in style and surface appeal but may fall short of the emotional depth the role demands.