Summerfolk ★★★★ National Theatre | Until April 29, 2026

The first performance of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk took place in 1904, on the eve of the Russo-Japanese War and the turbulent events of Bloody Sunday, when, in January 1905, Russian troops fired on peaceful protesters. Perhaps foreshadowing these events, the play presents a seemingly blissful world in which Russia’s small middle class retreat to summer chalets, passing their days in idle gossip, romantic entanglements and domestic squabbles. While the characters, unlike the audience, are largely oblivious to the gathering political and social storm, Varvara, the wife of the lawyer Sergei Bassov, and her brother, Vlass, are beginning to question the purpose of their cosseted existence. Nevertheless, for most of the summer folk, the absorbing realities of business, family life and flirtation provide more than enough occupation. This National Theatre production vividly captures that rarefied, artificial milieu, with a typically imaginative set design and resplendent costumes. The impressively large cast brings clarity and distinction to each role, skilfully shaping the diverse and memorable ensemble and doing a brilliant job of evoking the fragile, fin de siècle atmosphere. Yet, at nearly three hours in length, the question arises whether the creation of atmosphere alone can sustain dramatic momentum. While the audience's knowledge of the events that followed the play's production, along with the obvious parallels to present political circumstances lends the production a certain edge, is that sufficient to hold one's interest? The wide array of characters and interwoven storylines can also make it difficult to form a deep emotional connection with any single figure or to care very deeply about any particular plot twist. At times, the cumulative effect of the introspection and dissatisfaction expressed can similarly feel heavy-handed, with even the social concerns and existential angst articulated by Varvara and others coming across as merely another form of self-indulgence. Nevertheless, the assured direction of Robert Hastie and a strong cast have created a first-rate production of Gorky's masterpiece. Summerfolk is a superb conjuring of the enclosed, turn-of-the-century environment defined by a pervasive ennui, and it thoughtfully provokes the question of whether this is a prophetic picture of the present.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.

Photo by Johan Persson

When, Where, Getting there:

• Until April 29, 2026
• Various dates and times (see website below)
• National Theatre (Olivier Theatre)
• Nearest tube: Waterloo
• https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/summerfolk/