Checkout Chekhov by Chris

This will be the final production as artistic director for Chris Honer, who has led the company for more than 20 years. This is the first time this version of the play, which relocates the action to the 21st century but retains all of the original’s drama and comedy, has been seen outside London.

“It is regarded as a serious play in some quarters, but it is shot through with humour, as well as tragedy,” said Chris.

Graeme Hawley, familiar to TV viewers as Coronation Street serial-killer John Stape, is Trigorin, the idealistic writer who has designs on budding young actress Nina, played by Sophie Robinson.

It runs from tomorrow to March 8 at the Lowry in Salford.

Box office: 0843 208 6010 or www.thelowry.com