The Cherry Orchard, arguably Chekhov’s finest The Cherry Orchard, arguably Chekhov’s finest play, was first produced in 1904, the year of his death.  As a family face up to losing their beloved cherry orchard, each one of them must choose how best to adapt to a world where the old values are being swept away.  Like all great playwrights he puts his characters in situations that are timeless and universal.  Throughout the centuries and across the globe people are continually grappling with their own weaknesses as they try to cope with change.  

Chekhov described the play as a “comedy”.  But his characters are on a roller coaster of emotion as they fret, fall in love, argue and philosophise.  In his own unique way Chekhov creates a mosaic of comedy, tragedy and the absurd.

Too often productions of his plays do not serve him well. Characters either wander about languidly bemoaning their lot, or career around as self-obsessed grotesques. In Scotland there is a fashion for adapting his plays and relocating them in some present-day Highland glen, tartan and all. 
We try to strike the balance between poignancy and fun and present people that are as real now as they were at the beginning of the 20^th century.