THE CHERRY ORCHARD captures the sexual and emotional turbulence of a family whose pride leaves them unable to adapt. One of the most popular of Chekhov's great 'comedies of life', it remains as funny and potent today as when it was written.

Jonathan Miller co-authored and appeared in Beyond the Fringe in both London and New York between 1961 and 1964. Since then his career has covered many different fields: author, lecturer, television producer and presenter, theatre, opera and film director, and doctor. THE CHERRY ORCHARD sees Miller return to the British theatre stage for the first time in almost ten years.

Isabella Bywater (TITUS ADRONICUS - RSC; OF MICE AND MEN - Nottingham Playhouse; extensive work for opera including collaborations with Miller) designs. Lighting is by Tim Mitchell (SWEET PANIC - Duke of York's; A CHORUS LINE - Crucible Theatre, Sheffield; THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE and NOISES OFF - both West End and Broadway). The composer and sound designer is Adam Cork (FROST/NIXON - Donmar, Gielgud and Broadway; DON JUAN IN SOHO and JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN - both Donmar).

Making her Sheffield début is Joanna Lumley as Madame Ranevskaya. An acclaimed television actress, Lumley's credits include THE PERSUADERS, THE NEW AVENGERS, SAPPHIRE AND STEEL, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, SENSITIVE SKIN and JAM & JERUSALEM. For film, her work includes ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, MAD COWS, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, COLD COMFORT FARM and A RATHER ENGLIGH MARRIAGE; and she has provided voiceovers for CORPSE BRIDE and THE MAGIC ROUNDABOUT.

Peter Eyre plays Gaev. Eyre's most recent theatre work includes THE WILD DUCK (Donmar), RICHARD II (Old Vic), DON CARLOS (Sheffield Crucible and West End), and SMOKING WITH LULU (West Yorkshire Playhouse). For television, his credits include CAMBRIDGE SPIES and BERTIE AND ELIZABETH; and his many films include FROM HELL, THE GOLDEN BOWL, SURVIVING PICASSO, REMAINS OF THE DAY, ORLANDO, LET HIM HAVE IT and MAURICE.

Tobias Menzies plays Trofimov. Menzies' theatre work includes THE HISTORY BOYS (National Theatre), HAMLET (Northampton), THREE SISTERS (West End), PLATONOV (Almeida Theatre) and LIGHT (Complicite). For television, THE RELIEF OF BELSEN, PERSUASION, ROME and A VERY SOCIAL SECRETARY; and for film, CASINO ROYALE and PIERREPOINT.

Lisa Dillon is to play Varya and is currently appearing in Artistic Director Samuel West's production of AS YOU LIKE IT. Her other work for Sheffield includes IPHIGENIA (Ian Charleson Award and Critic's Circle Award for Best Newcomer - also for THE MASTER BUILDER). Dillon's other work includes PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT and HEDDA GABLER (both Almeida Theatre).

Returning to Sheffield, following his role in THE ROMANS IN BRITAIN, to play Lopakhin is Tom Mannion. His other theatre work includes ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA (Royal Exchange), HAMLET (Old Vic) and ART (West End). His television work includes NEW TRICKS, ROMAN MYSTERIES, LAST FLIGHT TO KUWAIT, THE ELEVENTH HOUR and LIFE ON MARS.

The full cast is Timothy Bateson, Robert Calvert, Debbie Chazen, Lisa Dillon, Peter Eyre, Roger Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Tom Mannion, Tobias Menzies, Robin Pearce, Carolyn Pickles, Hugh Sachs, Annabel Scholey. -- www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk