Three Sisters at the National Theatre, Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter and The Seagull at the Playhouse Theatre have all taken very different approaches to reworking Chekhov, bringing fresh insight and relevance to a writer whose plays have often felt rather dry.
‘A triumphant tragicomedy’: UNCLE VANYA – West End
Conor McPherson’s adaptation of Uncle Vanya featuring Toby Jones and Richard Armitage at the Harold Pinter Theatre is so good you can forgive the “wanging on”.
‘Far lighter than the themes of the play might suggest’: UNCLE VANYA – West End
This Uncle Vanya is more roundedly entertaining than other recent productions and while that detracts a little from the emotional undercurrents of the original, the fluidity and richness of Rickson’s production, performed by an excellent cast, ensure a satisfying Chekhovian conclusion.
Ought To Be Clowns’ 10 favourite shows of 2019
Ought To Be Clowns barely saw 250 shows this year, quiet by his standards. And as is the way of these things, here’s a rundown of some of the productions that moved me most…
NEWS: Emilia Clarke makes her West End debut in Anya Reiss’ adaptation of The Seagull directed by Jamie Lloyd
The Jamie Lloyd Company has announced that Emilia Clarke is to make her West End debut as Nina in Anya Reiss’ adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, completing the new season at the Playhouse Theatre.
‘Challenging but exhilarating reworking’: THREE SISTERS – National Theatre
Inua Ellams’ relocation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters to the Biafran Civil War proves devastatingly effective at the National Theatre.
‘Often compelling’: MEPHISTO [A RHAPSODY] – Gate Theatre
Mephisto [A Rhapsody], a French meta-theatrical update of Klaus Mann’s classic novel, has some brilliant moments but lacks metaphorical force.
‘Prefers buffoonery over analysis’: A VERY EXPENSIVE POISON – Old Vic
Lucy Prebble’s latest tells the story of the murder of Alexander Litvinenko in A Very Expensive Poison, but prefers buffoonery over analysis.
‘Our version is a true adventure’: Patrick Bayele on creating new adaptation of The Seagull, How To Save the World
“This is my first step into the realm of truly professional theatre-making, and, I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect it to be this tough!” Exciting young theatremaker Patrick Bayele doesn’t pull any punches as he tells us about creating new production How To Save The World. Read his fascinating interview, then book you tickets.
WATCH: Director Patrick Bayele and the cast of How To Save The World tell us how the new play is something we’ve “not seen anywhere else”.
“This play is going to change your life.” It’s a bold statement, but you can’t help but believe Patrick Bayele, director of How To Save The World, when you look into his eyes. He believes. Watch the behind the scenes interview with Bayele and his cast, then book your tickets.
NEWS: New epic reimagining of The Seagull teaches audiences How To Save The World
‘We could all be heroes’ promises new interpretation of Chekhov’s classic drama The Seagull, How To Save The World. To find out how, you’ll have to visit Studio 9294 later this month. Book your tickets now!
‘Chekhov’s work feels very alive & relevant today’: Maly Drama Theatre’s Lev Dodin brings Three Sisters to the West End
The lauded Russian director Lev Dodin tells us about bringing his much-praised production of Three Sisters to London and why, after 35 years running the Maly Drama Theatre, he still gets nervous.
Text of the Day: Three Sisters
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Disappointingly middle of the road’: THREE SISTERS – Almeida Theatre
Chekhov classic from the team behind the West End hit Summer and Smoke is too middle of the road
The post Three Sisters, Almeida Theatre appeared first on Aleks Sierz.
‘The play finally starts to crackle – after the interval’: THREE SISTERS – Almeida Theatre ★★★
After the interval, The Three Sisters, mercifully, in mood and pace, could be a different play. I left happy enough. But goodness, the first scenes badly need more vigour. And a trim.
‘A vibrant & meaningful interpretation’: THREE SISTERS – Almeida Theatre
It is a vibrant and meaningful interpretation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters that reaps rewards. Keep on an eye on this new theatre partnership, it could be around for many years to come.
NEWS: Full cast is announced for Three Sisters at the Almeida Theatre
Following Rebecca Frecknall and Patsy Ferran’s Critics’ Circle Award-winning collaboration on Summer & Smoke at the Almeida Theatre, the director and actress will join forces on Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters in a new adaptation by Cordelia Lynn (8 April to 1 June 2019, press night is 16 April), for which full casting is announced today.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Uncle Vanya at Hampstead Theatre
Alan Cox stars as Vanya in Terry Johnson’s new adaptation of Chekhov’s classic play Uncle Vanya at the Hampstead Theatre. Find out what the critics made of it with Love London Love Culture’s review round up…
‘Oddly unemotional, disjointed & not entirely satisfying’: ARISTOCRATS – Donmar Warehouse
Director Lyndsey Turner is clearly impatient with the tradition of playing this melancholy drama as a tribute to Chekhov, and her production is thoroughly anti-naturalistic.
‘Leaves an unpleasantly bitter aftertaste’: MONOGAMY – Park Theatre
For a comedy, there are not enough laughs. Although Torben Betts is perfectly skilled at delivering humorous dialogues, in Monogamy there is very little sun, but plenty of glowering darkness.
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