First Look: Sophie Rundle, Paul Ready and Alex Lawther in Summerfolk at the National Theatre

The first production photos have been released by the National Theatre in London of Summerfolk, starring Alex Lawther, Doon Mackichan, Paul Ready and Sophie Rundle.

Maxim Gorky’s classic drama is now playing in the Olivier Theatre of the National Theatre until 29 April 2026.

This major new London production is directed by the National’s Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), and has been adapted from Gorky’s original by Nina Raine and Moses Raine.

Following the release of these stunning new production images, tickets for the limited run in the Olivier Theatre are in high demand. View the full performance schedule and check Summerfolk ticket availability here.

Summerfolk – Photos

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Photos by Johan Persson

The cast of Summerfolk

The cast of Summerfolk features:

Alex Lawther (The Imitation Game) as Vlass Mikhailich
Doon Mackichan (Smack the Pony) as Kaleria
Paul Ready (Motherland) as Sergei Vassilich Bassov
Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders) as Varvara Mikhailovna

Rebecca Banatvala as Sasha
Thomas Barrett as Maxim Zimin
Tamika Bennett as Sonya
Pip Carter as Pavel Sergeyich Ryumin
Peter Forbes as Semyon Semyonich Dvoyetochiye
Brandon Grace as Nikolai Petrovich Zamislov
Arthur Hughes as Pyotr Ivanich Suslov
Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Kropilkin
Gwyneth Keyworth as Olga Alekseyevna
Daniel Lapaine as Yakov Petrovich Shalimov
Adelle Leonce as Yulia Filipovna
Justine Mitchell as Maria Lvovna
Sid Sagar as Kirill Akimovich Dudakov
Richard Trinder as Pustobaika
The Ensemble features Ivan Ivashkin, Aisha-Mae McCormick, Roisin Rae, Ellie Turner and Joe Usher

show less

Photos: Summerfolk in rehearsals

Also, go behind the scenes of rehearsals for Summerfolk.

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Photos by Johan Persson

What is the story of Summerfolk? The play is set in Russia in 1905, Russia’s elite retreat in the summer to the countryside to swim, sip champagne and start affairs. When they’re having this much fun, why care about anything else? But Varvara just can’t shake the feeling that their holiday idyll is built on borrowed time. As the party continues, how long can they ignore the storm on the horizon?

Summerfolk – Plan your trip

Theatre: Olivier theatre at the National Theatre, Southbank, London
Booking dates: 6 March to 29 April 2026
Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings and Wednesday & Saturday matinees
Know before you go: This production contains strong language and sexist attitudes. It includes depictions of alcohol and drug use, and references to sex and suicide.

ARTICLE UPDATED: 17 March 2026 with Summerfolk production photos; Originally published 11 February 2026 with rehearsal photos.

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Main photo: Summerfolk - National Theatre London. Photo by Johan Persson

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First Look: Sophie Rundle, Paul Ready and Alex Lawther in Summerfolk at the National Theatre

Summerfolk – Photos

The cast of Summerfolk

Photos: Summerfolk in rehearsals

Summerfolk – Plan your trip

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