Directed by Joseph Blatchley, and presented in a new translation by Charlotte Pyke, John Kerr and Blatchley, it restores the original Russian censor's cuts made to the play for the original 1896 production.
The cast also includes Leon Davies, Gabriel Hunter, Yolanda Kettle, Will Knightley, Gabrielle Lloyd, Jodie McNee, Al Weaver, Paul Westwood and Matt Wilkinson. The production is designed by Dora Schweitzer, with lighting design by Neill Brinkworth.
According to press materials, the play – set in 19th century Russia – revolves around an anxious young writer preparing the first performance of his new play for the two women in his life. The consequences are devastating, with everybody in love with the wrong person and death hovering close by. Seagull explores lives that are precariously balanced between love and indifference, success and failure, hope and despair.
James has appeared on Broadway in both Hamlet (playing Gertrude opposite Jude Law's Hamlet, directed by Michael Grandage) and The Merchant of Venice (Tony-nominated for playing Portia opposite Dustin Hoffman's Shylock, directed by Peter Hall). She has previously appeared at the Arcola in Howard Barker's Victory. Other theatre credits include The UN Inspector and Cymbeline (both at the National Theatre), Death and the Maiden at the West End's Duke of York's and The Faith Healer at the Almeida. She has received four BAFTA nominations for her work in television for "Dummy," "The Jewel in The Crown," "Band of Gold" and "Sins."
Lloyd Pack's extensive work in theatre includes roles in the West End as well as at the National Theatre, RSC, Almeida, Royal Court and Donmar Warehouse. He remains best-known to TV audiences for his role as Trigger in the hit BBC sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," and as Owen Newitt in "The Vicar of Dibley." Blatchley has directed all of Chekhov’s major plays, including his own adaptation of Platonov, based on Nikita Mikhailkov's film "Unfinished Piece for Mechanical Piano."
To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7503 1646 or visit www.arcolatheatre.com.
