From 9th October to 1st November, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh presents a darkly comic new reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull – a timeless masterpiece of vanity, creative hunger, and the cost of dreams.

A fading actress. A restless writer. A family estate simmering with desire, ambition, and regret. This autumn, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh presents a darkly comic new reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull – a timeless masterpiece of vanity, creative hunger, and the cost of dreams.

Adapted by Tony and Olivier award-nominated writer Mike Poulton (Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies) and directed by the Lyceum’s new Artistic Director James Brining, this marks Brining’s first production since taking up the role. Produced in association with Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, it promises to be a landmark moment for Edinburgh theatre.

At its centre is beloved stage and screen star Caroline Quentin (Men Behaving Badly, Jonathan Creek, Strictly Come Dancing, Bridgerton). On stage, Quentin has dazzled in The Provoked Wife for the RSC and Jack Absolute Flies Again for the National Theatre. Here, she takes on the formidable role of Arkadina – the once-celebrated actress who dominates every room she enters.

Michael Dylan and Tallulah Greive prep for their roles

She is joined by a stellar ensemble: Forbes Masson (The Crown, Much Ado About Nothing) returns to the Lyceum as Dr Dorn; Tallulah Greive (Anna Karenina, Lyceum; Cinderella, Sony Films) plays the sardonic Masha; and John Bett, a Lyceum favourite, takes on Sorin. Rising star Lorn Macdonald (BEATS, Outlander) appears as Konstantin, while Harmony Rose-Bremner (Hamnet, RSC) shines as Nina. Completing the triangle of passions, Dyfan Dwyfor (As You Like It, RSC; Men Up, BBC) plays Trigorin, the celebrated writer who catches Nina’s eye with devastating consequences.

The cast also features Irene Allan as Polina, Steven McNicoll as Shamrayev, Michael Dylan as Medvendenko, and Kristian Lustre as Yakov – a powerhouse ensemble blending stage veterans with rising stars.

Speaking of the production, Brining said:

“I am delighted to bring this exciting new version of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull to the Lyceum stage – my first as Artistic Director. To work with the incredible Caroline Quentin and a great cast of Scottish actors on such a theatrical classic is thrilling. The play is an examination of theatre itself, which is why it felt like such a perfect introduction for myself as a director in this new role.”

Blending sharp-edged comedy with searing drama, The Seagull is a play about ambition, ego, and longing that has lost none of its power since it first shocked audiences in 1896. With Brining’s bold vision, Poulton’s razor-sharp adaptation, and a cast led by Caroline Quentin, this is set to be one of the cultural events of the season.

Not to be missed.

(Contains gunshot sounds and reference to suicide. Age guidance: 13+.)

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Coming Soon: The Seagull at The Royal Lyceum