It’s a hot, beautiful summer in 1905, and Russia’s elite retreat to the countryside to swim, sip champagne and start affairs.
When they’re having this much fun, why care about anything else? But Varvara just can’t shake the feeling that their holiday idyll is built on borrowed time.
As the party continues, how long can they ignore the storm on the horizon?
Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) directs Maxim Gorky’s razor-sharp portrait of class, privilege and denial, revived for 2026 in a fresh new adaptation from Nina Raine(Bach & Sons) and Moses Raine (Donkey Heart).
For assisted performances, please book directly through the National Theatre.
Now taking bookings for performances from Fri 6th March 2026 until Wed 29th April 2026.
Show times for each day are below.
Mon
7.30pm
Tue
7.30pm
Wed
7.30pm
Thu
7.30pm
Fri
7.30pm
Sat
7.30pm
Sun
-
Bus routes: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night buses: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Nearest rail: Waterloo
Tube lines: Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Directions
from Waterloo :
(10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theatre.
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
In congestion zone?: Yes
Air conditioned
Bar
Disabled toilets
Infrared hearing loop
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.
Summerfolk
Olivier Theatre, National, London
Running until: Wed 29th April 2026