Slow Horses' Sophie Okonedo will lead the cast of a new production of A Month in the Country, Brian Friel's reworking of Ivan Turgenev's 19th century play. The production will run from 22 August to 3 October at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

The synopsis for A Month in the Country reads: "Hundreds of women would envy me, wouldn’t they? A beautiful house in the Russian countryside.

sophie okonedo in june 2021 posing on the red carpet, wearing a cream dress
Dave J Hogan//Getty Images

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"A doting husband, a circle of admirers. A life of order, tranquillity and quiet restraint. It’s enough to make you scream.

"Natalya Petrovna looks to all the world like a contented woman, but the arrival of a penniless young tutor stirs a restless heart, igniting a spark of desire that sets the Summer ablaze."

The synopsis continues: "A Month in the Country pits passion against propriety, as a cast of characters struggle to reconcile the lives they lead with the happiness they crave. Lyndsey Turner directs Brian Friel’s reworking of Turgenev’s most famous play."

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Okonedo stars as Natalya, alongside The Night Manager's Alistair Petrie, Jessica Brindle, Susan Brown, Rachelle Diedericks, and Patrick Gibson. Mark Hadfield, Michael Hodgson, Jonathan Livingstone, Daniel Rigby and Amanda Wilkin also star.

Earlier this year, Okonedo's new film Mouse premiered to rave reviews from critics at the Berlin International Film Festival.

alistair petrie, hugh laurie, the night manager season 2
BBC

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The film follows, Callie and Minnie, two high school friends whose relationship falls apart as they enter their senior year. Following the end of their friendship, Minnie forms a complex relationship with Callie's mother, letting her escape from her chaotic home life.

Mouse currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's distribution rights were acquired by the Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio in May, with a release date for later this year yet to be confirmed.

A Month in the Country runs from 22 August to 3 October at the Donmar Warehouse in London.


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