The tribulations of the modern legal profession may at times seem like heavy drama, populated as it is by exasperated legal aid practitioners, overworked corporate lawyers and a chap called Clementi who wants to shake up the whole thing in a potentially brutal manner.

But rarely does it share any common ground with the plays of Anton Chekhov.

Written and first performed in 1895/96, 'The Seagull' initially had a lukewarm reception from audiences and nearly caused its author to jack in the whole theatre business.

But Moscow intelligentsia rushed to its defence, and the play eventually became a classic.

Now it is to receive one of the highest accolades, as a production by the English Theatre Brussels opens featuring a heavy legal profession connection.

One of the highlights will be the part of Shamraev, played by the secretary-general of the Council of the Bars and Law Societies of the European Union, solicitor Jonathan Goldsmith.

Also in the cast are John Howard, Linklaters' business manager for Europe and Steve Challens, from the administration office at Freshfields in Brussels.

The play will run from 30 March to 3 April at the Theatre Les Treteaux.

For tickets, e-mail: seagulltickets@hotmail.com.