Summerfolk review: Gorky’s biting class satire is more relevant now than ever

by

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

A crowd of comfortably-off people, dressed in white, are spending a hot summer day by the lake. They’re drinking, grumbling, and bickering, creating a mess and relying on the resort staff to clean it up.

You might assume this scene is from the show The White Lotus, but it’s actually from Summerfolk, a play by Maxim Gorky written in 1904.

Considering the current popularity of films that critique the wealthy, like Parasite, Triangle of Sadness, The Menu, and Saltburn, now is a perfect time to revisit Maxim Gorky’s sharp and satirical play. Summerfolk fits right in with these films, portraying a group of mostly superficial, wealthy people arguing amongst themselves in a lavish summer setting while society around them is falling apart.

I admit, when I first heard about a long, Russian play from the early 1900s, I wasn’t sure how much it would resonate with me today. But Nina and Moses Raine’s adaptation is amazing! They’ve made the story feel surprisingly modern and really easy to connect with – the satire is still sharp and relevant.

Gorky’s writing explores the concerns of educated Russians just before the revolution – things like relationships, unhappy marriages, and debates about art. The stories offer a glimpse into the hidden flaws of the wealthy upper class, revealing the prejudice and negativity beneath the surface, including the men’s mistreatment of women and one character’s embarrassment about his humble beginnings.

Gorky and the Raine siblings collaborated on a script that’s both funny and moving. It’s full of clever lines and well-timed strong language, and doesn’t avoid dealing with difficult topics.

The unsettling feelings in Summerfolk strongly reflect the worries we’re experiencing today. This connection proves that good theatre can remain relevant across generations.

Even though it’s an hour shorter than before, Summerfolk is still quite long. The first half moves quickly and is engaging, but the play starts to feel its length in the second half. Lots of repetitive arguments slow things down a bit.

Despite any weaknesses, the show is saved by its incredibly talented cast. They have fantastic comedic timing, and can make even the simplest lines hilarious.

The cast is full of strong performances, making it hard to pick just a few to praise. Paul Ready is brilliantly frustrating as Sergei, with a rough voice and irritating laugh. Doon Mackichan is wonderfully funny as the eccentric Kaleria, who loves sharing awkward poetry. And Sophie Rundle’s Varvara is perfectly poised, managing to be both distant and appealing.

Alex Lawther truly shines as Vlass, delivering a performance that’s both sharp and heartbreakingly funny. It’s a unique character, reminiscent of a blend between the gritty realism of Charles Bukowski and the energetic humor of Robin Williams.

The most impressive part of this show is undoubtedly Peter Mackintosh’s set design. It’s simple yet effective in the first act, and when paired with Paul Pyant’s beautiful lighting, it perfectly captures the feeling of a warm, hazy summer.

But when the second act begins, the set truly shines, promising some of the most impressive stagecraft ever seen on the Olivier stage. A new curtain rises, unveiling the full scale of the transformation: the stage has become a massive pier extending into a real, flowing river.

The set design included one incredibly smart moment that made the entire audience gasp – but we won’t reveal what it was!

Summerfolk truly showcases the National Theatre’s strength – beautifully reimagined revivals of classic stories. This production is both funny and thought-provoking, making it a great experience for anyone, whether they’re a regular theatre fan or new to it. And the stunning set design alone makes it worth seeing.

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When can I see Summerfolk?

I just saw Summerfolk at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre – it’s absolutely wonderful! If you’re looking for something to see, it’s playing there on the Southbank until April 29th, and I highly recommend it.

How to get Summerfolk tickets

Tickets are currently available at TodayTix and SeatPlan, with plenty of availability left.

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2026-03-19 20:35