The Cherry Orchard and hotel packages from Theatre Breaks
Playing a strictly limited season at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London The Cherry Orchard run begins on 3 October 2026 and plays until 9 January 2027.
The production, directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Ian Rickson, is an adaptation by Conor McPherson (Girl From the North Country and The Weir). Rickson and McPherson are no strangers to each other — they previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed 2020 production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, which also played at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
The reunion of Scott Thomas and Rickson is also particularly exciting for theatre fans. Scott Thomas previously played Arkadina in Rickson’s acclaimed production of The Seagull, which ran both in London and on Broadway, earning her the Olivier Award for Best Actress.
The pair also worked together at the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2023 for the world premiere of Lyonesse, and previously on Electra and Betrayal. So the prospect of them tackling Chekhov’s final masterpiece together is genuinely thrilling.
At the heart of the play is a story of loss and longing. When Ranevskaya returns to her childhood estate after years abroad, she finds her family home and beloved cherry orchard under threat. As old loyalties falter and new ambitions rise, a world of privilege begins to crumble. Scott Thomas herself has spoken of her excitement, saying, “Returning to the Pinter with Chekhov is like coming home to a piece of theatre that is endlessly alive.”
The Cherrry Orchard FAQs
When does The Cherry Orchard Open in London?
With press night set for 13 October 2026, further casting is still to be announced — which only adds to the sense of anticipation surrounding what looks set to be the must-see production of the 2026 season.
What is the best hotel for a theatre break to see The Cherry Orchard?
I always say that you don’t have to stay right next to the theatre. One of the lovely things to do is walk the streets of London discussing the play you have just seen. Having said that, if you stay at the Thistle Piccadilly you could even return to your room in the interval and still get back in time for an ice cream! Perfect if you have forgotten your autograph book.
Also West End hotels do tend to be quite expensive. You can easily save £50 per person by extending your post theatre stroll by just 15 minutes. Cross the river to somewhere like the 4 star Park Plaza County Hall and you get the glorious view up and down the Thames thrown in for free!
What performances are included in a theatre and hotel package?
The Cherry Orchard runs from 03 October 2026 to 09 January 2027 with seven or eight performances most weeks – with Monday night alternating each week, so do check when you book. Evening performances start at 19:30 whilst matinees (which occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays) start at 14:30.
Also just a warning here. As with any actor anywhere in London’s West End, Dame KST is not guaranteed to play at any given performance. I’ve found that midweek matinees can be the first to go, but there is no hard and fast rule and in general they try their hardest to be available for every show. Afterall they only work for a couple of hours a day: how hard can it be ;-)