Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull is coming to Richmond Theatre in a new adaptation by John Donnelly.

Blanche McIntyre will direct the new version of Chekhov’s first great play, which will land in Richmond on May 29.

Donnelly’s dynamic and modern adaptation shows a world on stage, driven with hopeless love and dreams of success. Raw, beautiful and darkly comic, The Seagull explores emotion, creativity and romantic conflict with the clarity of a doctor and the heart of a poet.

Abigail Cruttenden, who lives in East Sheen, plays Arkadina – a mother torn between her new lover and her son.

Cruttenden says: “The story is about a very famous couple coming into this rural, provincial community.

“I was attracted to it because it’s a brilliant play and Blanche was directing it and I have worked with her before and she is just brilliant.”

Her previous screen roles include Anna Karenina, Foyle’s War, Benidorm and Charlotte Gray.

The Seagull; Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, from May 29 to June 1, from 7.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, with matinees from 2.30pm Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets £10 to £25 (premium seats £29.50), and are available from the box office on 0844 8717651 or atgtickets.com/Richmond.