Chris Pine to make London stage debut in Simon Stone's new version of 'Ivanov'

Ivanov follows the story of Nikolai, who is filled with existential ennui. He seems to be the man who has it all, but in reality, the debts are piling up and his wife is suffering from a mysterious set of illnesses.

Summary

• Chris Pine will make his London stage debut in Simon Stone's adaptation of Ivanov
• Stone is currently directing his version of The Lady From the Sea at the Bridge Theatre
• Chris Pine has previously starred in screen roles in Star Trek and Wonder Woman as well as stage productions such as The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Chris Pine will make his London stage debut in Ivanov at the Bridge Theatre in London next summer. The Star Trek and Wonder Woman star will begin performances at the venue from 4 July until 19 September.

The production, written and directed by Simon Stone (after Anton Chekhov), follows Stone's adaptation of Ibsen's The Lady From the Sea, which is currently playing at the venue until 8 November and stars Alicia Vikander, Andrew Lincoln, and Joe Alwyn.

On the announcement, Stone said: "Chekhov is the master of finding the humour in our suffering and the crisis lurking underneath our joy. A mercurial magician of character drama, he elevates the seemingly banal to the sublime and then pops the balloon just as it's getting too poetic. As the mighty Jean Renoir said in his film The Rules of the Game, ‘everyone has their reasons’. During his career as a doctor Chekhov developed a deep empathy and curiosity for his fellow human, and his writing beats with the heart of a great humanist. The characters are gifts to complex, versatile actors: existence writ messily and lovingly, an ode to imperfection.

"I'm thrilled to be returning to The Bridge for my second outing after the wonderful experience of The Lady from the Sea. The space couldn't be more perfect for Chekhov: the tension between the modern and the historic is embodied in the building and its location. This pioneer of cross-generational drama wanted his plays to be a jousting match between the past and the future, a space to examine who we have been, are and will become. He also knew that great entertainment had to have true existential reflection underpinning it and that philosophy and politics are meaningless without a dose of irony to keep us sane. The perfect mixture of comedy and tragedy.

"After admiring Chris from afar for a long time it was a delight to discover that not only is he a thespian from way back but he's uniquely sensitive and brilliantly intelligent too. I've seen in his work how hilarious he can be but also how moving: you can't do Chekhov without both. Ivanov is the most knotty of his male characters, a challenge and a gift. I just can't wait to unleash Chris' version on London audiences!"

Pine said: “I’m delighted to be collaborating with Simon on his new production of Chehkov’s Ivanov. I’m excited to bring this complex character and story to life and to take part in Simon’s singular creative process. It’s been over ten years since I was on stage and to be able to return to it in London at the beautiful Bridge Theatre is a thrill. I can’t wait to start.”

Ivanov follows the story of Nikolai, who is filled with existential ennui. He seems to be the man who has it all, with a perfect wife and a successful career. But in reality, the debts are piling up and his wife is suffering from a mysterious set of illnesses.

The creative team includes set designer Lizzie Clachan, costume designer Mel Page, composition and sound designer Stefan Gregory, and lighting designer Nick Schlieper.

Further casting is to be announced.

Check back for Ivanov tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Chris Pine. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi)