The RSC Cherry Orchard review reveals a disappointing lack of sparkle despite a starry cast led by Helen Hunt, Bill Pullman, and Kenneth Branagh. Laura Wade's reworking of Chekhov's final play fails to deliver the emotional charge and sharp class tensions that make this classic resonate.
Starry Cast but Missing Magic
Helen Hunt brings a dignified fragility to Madame Ranyevskaya, while Bill Pullman as her brother Gaev adds gentle humor. Kenneth Branagh, fresh from his lead role in the RSC's The Tempest, plays Lopakhin with a good-natured amiability that lacks the class rage seen in previous productions. The ensemble is strong, but director Tamara Harvey creates a soft-edged tone that leaves the story without a magnetic center.
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Accents and Ambiguity
Wade's update uses American accents for the aristocratic siblings and Northern Irish for Lopakhin and servant Yasha. The effect is unclear and adds confusion rather than insight. The production remains stranded in a pre-revolutionary Russia that feels comically benign, missing the biting social commentary Chekhov intended.
Comparison Table: RSC vs. Donmar Warehouse Productions
| Aspect | RSC (2025) | Donmar Warehouse (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Lopakhin | Kenneth Branagh – amenable, lacking sharp anger | Adeel Akhtar – fierce class rage |
| Tone | Soft-edged, farcical, endearing | Biting, emotionally charged |
| Impact | Disappointing sparkle | Astonishing dramatic force |
Key Takeaways
- The star cast does not compensate for a lack of emotional drama.
- Accent choices are confusing and weaken the narrative.
- Michael Elwyn's Firs provides the best comedic moments.
- Varya's storyline (Esther Smith) adds some emotional depth.
- For a powerful Cherry Orchard, seek out the Benedicht Andrews version.
FAQ
Is the RSC Cherry Orchard worth seeing?
If you're a fan of the star cast, it offers pleasant moments, but the production lacks the emotional impact and class tension that make Chekhov's work compelling. Many critics find it disappointing.
Who stars in the RSC Cherry Orchard?
The cast includes Helen Hunt as Madame Ranyevskaya, Bill Pullman as Gaev, and Kenneth Branagh as Lopakhin, along with Esther Smith as Varya and Michael Elwyn as Firs.
How does this production compare to others?
The RSC version is softer and more farcical than the 2023 Donmar Warehouse production, which featured Adeel Akhtar's ferocious Lopakhin. For a more dramatic experience, that version is often preferred.
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