Chris Pinethe famous actor from his role as James T Kirk in “Star Trek”, is preparing to “travel” to the stage of the Bridge Theater next summer, exchanging the spaceship for the stage board.

Pine will make his theater debut in London, taking the title role in a new version of “Ivanov” – one of Anton Chekhov’s early works – adapted and directed by Simon Stone.

“I am excited to bring this complex character to life and to be a part of Simon’s unique creative approach,” said the famous actor.

Produced by the London Theater Company, the premiere is scheduled for July at the renowned Bridge Theatre. It is noted that during this period in the same theater, Stone’s new version of Ibsen’s work, “The Lady from the Sea” is presented.

The playwright, whose previous London hits include ‘Yerma’ with Billie Piper at the Young Vic, is known for creating new scenes during rehearsals. He described Pine as a “uniquely sensitive and highly intelligent” actor.

“I’ve seen in his career how entertaining he can be, but also how moving: you can’t play Chekhov without both. Ivanov is the most complex of his male characters, a challenge and a gift”he added.

Chekhov’s play, first performed in 1887, is about a landowner who is over-indebted and whose marriage is on the verge of collapse. Kenneth Branagh took on the role opposite Andrea Riseborough in the West End in 2008, in a new adaptation by Tom Stoppard.

“Chekhov is the undisputed master of finding the humor in our pain, as well as the crisis behind our joy”the director emphasized. According to the Guardian, the flagship play will run from July 4 to September 19.