The production, which features a new translation by playwright Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Philanthropist) is the final play to be directed by Ian Rickson as the Court's artistic director.

Scott Thomas was last seen on the London stage in Jonathan Kent's 2005 production of Pirandello's As You Desire Me. The movie star ("Four Weddings and a Funeral," "The Horse Whisperer," "Gosford Park" and "The English Patient") made her London stage debut in 2003 as Masha in Chekhov's Three Sisters.

In The Seagull Scott Thomas plays Arkadina and is joined by Mackenzie Crook who plays her angst-ridden son Konstantin. Crook is best known in Britain from television's "The Office" and internationally from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

The cast also features Katherine Parkinson (Other Hands) and Chiwetel Eijiofor who is internationally best known for movies such as "Dirty Pretty Things" and "Love Actually." Stage credits include Blue/Orange and Peer Gynt at the National.

Rickson's farewell production, the last in the Royal Court's 50th anniversary season, is designed by Hildegard Bechtler. For more on The Seagull which runs until March 17, call (0)20 7565 5000.