7.1.10

A Jubilee for Anton Chekhov

A tribute to the Russian writer

Hampstead Theatre is celebrating the 150th birthday of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov:
From 18 – 23 January 2010, Michael Pennington, one of Britain’s finest actors, and leading Chekhov specialist Rosamund Bartlett will host a series of shows dedicated to the work of this fascinating writer.

The event has been organised to raise money to restore the White Dacha – the house in Yalta where Chekhov wrote Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard, which has now lost its state funding and is in serious disrepair.

Renowned writers and directors have chosen their favourite Chekhov stories and plays, and will be discussing them alongside readings and performances by eminent actors. Michael Pennington will also perform his acclaimed one-man show about Anton Chekhov himself. A different show will take place each day and some performances will be accompanied by audience discussions about the great man's work.

Performance Schedule

Monday 18 January, 7.30pm
Chekhov’s Vaudevilles: Michael Frayn (with David Horovitch, Miriam Margolyes and Steve McNeil)

Tuesday 19 January, 7.30pm
Chekhov's Women: Lynne Truss on In the Cart and The Darling (with Rosamund Pike)

Wednesday 20 January, 7.30pm
Chekhov’s Major Plays: Richard Eyre (with friends)

Thursday 21 January, 7.30pm
Chekhov's Doctors: William Boyd on Ionych (with Eileen Atkins)

Friday 22 January, 7.30pm
The Perfect Short Story: David Hare on The Lady with the Little Dog (with Penelope Wilton)

Saturday 23 January, 3pm
Anton Chekhov: Michael Pennington’s one man show

Saturday 23 January, 7.30pm
Chekhov and Unrequited Love: William Fiennes on Verochka (with Simon Russell Beale)