The Cherry Orchard **** TNT

Apart from some jarring colloquialisms in Aussie Andrew Upton’s sprightly new version, Howard Davies’ production of Chekhov’s 1904 comedy is a treat.

The faded wood of Bunny Christie’s design opens out to expose the sadness beneath the extravagance of Zoë Wanamaker’s bankrupt landowner, the emergent power of the lower classes is signalled by the telegraph wires overhead and, in a large cast, there isn’t a single dud performance.

Impressive comic contributions come from Tim McMullan’s visiting neighbour (a Russian Hooray Henry without any funds) and Pip Carter’s clumsy estate manager, whilst Mark Bonnar’s perpetual student and Claudie Blakley’s unhappy Varya add, respectively, political passion and poignancy.

Most rounded of all, Conleth Hill’s awkward Lopakhin conveys all the contradictory emotions of a self-made serf whose wealth only partially counterbalances his background.

Olivier at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (020 7452 3000) Tube: Waterloo nationaltheatre.org.uk
Until August 13 (£12 - £30 as part of the Travelex season)