Proceeds will go toward the restoration of the White Dacha — the house in Yalta where Chekhov wrote Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard — which has now lost its state funding and is in serious disrepair.

According to publicity materials, "Renowned writers and directors have chosen their favorite Chekhov stories and plays, and will be discussing them alongside readings and performances by eminent actors. Michael Pennington will also perform his acclaimed one-man show about Anton Chekhov himself. A different show will take place each day and some performances will be accompanied by audience discussions about the great man's work.

The season commences Jan. 18 with Michael Frayn hosting an evening entitled Chekhov's Vaudevilles, with a company that includes David Horovitch, Miriam Marolyes and Steve McNeil. On Jan. 19, author Lynn Truss will host Chekhov's Women with Rosamund Pike. On Jan. 20, director Richard Eyre will celebrate Chekhov's Major Plays with a cast that is currently being billed as "friends." On Jan. 21, Chekhov's Doctors will include writer William Boyd on Ionych and a cast that includes Eileen Atkins. On Jan. 22, a session on The Perfect Short Story will include playwright David Hare on "Lady with the Little Dog" and a cast that includes Penelope Wilton. On Jan. 23, Michael Pennington will present his one-man show Anton Chekhov at 3 PM, a narrative comprised of Chekhov's own words; and on Jan. 23 in the evening, Chekhov and Unrequited Love will feature William Fiennes on Verochka and a cast that includes Simon Russell Beale.

As this is a charity event, the theatre advises that it may be necessary to make some last minute changes to the program and participants. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7722 9301, or visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com