The Seagull - by Anton Chekhov, in a new version by Martin Crimp

''Young girl lives on shore of lake since childhood - like you. Loves the lake - like the seagull. Is happy and free - like the seagull. Then one day a man turns up, sees her, and mindlessly destroys her.''

Martin Crimp''s pared down version of Chekhov''s first great play reveals the full force of its comedy and cruelty - whether it''s love, sex, incredible fame, or simply a trip into town, each character is denied the thing they most crave.

The Seagull, in a new version by Martin Crimp, premieres at the National Theatre, London, in June 2006.