Chiwetel Ejifor - "The Seagull" Play - He will appear on London Stage from January 2007

THE SEAGULL

Written by Anton Chekhov

Translated by Christopher Hampton

18 JANUARY - 17 MARCH

In a new version by Christopher Hampton

Direction : Ian Rickson

Design : Hildegard Bechtler

Sound : Ian Dickinson

Cast includes :

Denise Black

Mackenzie Crook

Chiwetel Ejifor

Paul Jesson

Art Malik

Carey Mulligan

Christopher Patrick Nolan

Katherine Parkinson

Pearce Quigley

Kristin Scott Thomas

Peter Wight

"Now I understand, Kostya, I’ve understood, that with our work - doesn’t matter whether it’s acting or writing what’s essential is not fame or success, none of the things I used to dream about : it’s the ability to endure."

THE SEAGULL is one of the great plays about writing. It superbly captures the struggle for new forms, the frustrations and fulfilments of putting words on a page. Chekhov, in his first major play, stages a vital argument about the theatre which still resonates today.

The Royal Court pioneered asking leading playwrights to work on classic plays, as Christopher Hampton famously did with UNCLE VANYA. He returns now with a new version of this classic, directed by Ian Rickson, in his last production as Artistic Director of the theatre.

MACKENZIE CROOK’S last stage performance was in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. His film and television work includes The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean. CHIWETEL EJIOFOR’s film credits include Dirty Pretty Things, Love Actually and the forthcoming Children of Men. KATHERINE PARKINSON was recently in Other Hands at the Soho Theatre and The IT Crowd on Channel 4. KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS has recently starred in Three Sisters and As You Desire Me in the West End. Her film credits include The English Patient, Gosford Park and The Horse Whisperer.

Supported by an anonymous donor.