Uncle Vanya

[smallhobbit]

It will come as no surprise to regular readers that as soon as tickets went on sale for Uncle Vanya, in which Richard Armitage was to play Astrov, I was online booking one!

I went to a preview of the play, slightly cheaper seats, but otherwise no major difference from seeing it later in the run.  Reports had been good, although press night isn't until next week, when the formal reviews will be released, and it was sold out when I saw it.

I'm delighted to say I thought it was really good - and not just because I may be biased.  RA was excellent as Astrov, and worked well with Toby Jones, who was Vanya.  The whole cast was good, many of whom were actors with a long list of roles.  The only one I was slightly less taken with was the actress playing Sonya, but whether it was her or the part I'm not sure. 

This production brings out the humour in the play very well, and the cast bring out the humanity of the characters.  The set is excellent, and the only downside is that this is a Chekhov play, with very typical Chekhovian characters, who at times I feel like shaking.  It shows how good the actors were that I felt the characters could have had a better future if only they had done something.

It was lovely seeing RA on stage again - five and a half years since I saw him in The Crucible - and when I saw him on the stage as the curtain went up for the first act it was a great feeling.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

I'm so glad you got to see your favourite and it was a good production.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. *Smiles happily*

[scfrankles]

I'm really glad you got to see Mr. Armitage again ^___^

Humour and humanity - it does indeed sound like a great production. ...the only downside is that this is a Chekhov play, with very typical Chekhovian characters, who at times I feel like shaking. I'm not terribly familiar with Chekhov but I understand this is a common reaction ^___^ It shows how good the actors were that I felt the characters could have had a better future if only they had done something. Do I sense fix-it fic in the offing...?

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - it made me very happy :)

Yes, at least it wasn't Pinter ;) Maybe I could write a fix-it - but then it really would be OC for Chekhov!

[auroracloud]

Ooh, interesting, thanks for the mini-review! I saw an impressive production of Uncle Vanya a year or two ago in one of the theatres near me. It was an intense and memorable experience. I remember I did like Sonya very much in our version, but it's probably a role that isn't the easiest to play in a way that connects with a modern audience. I should see more productions to be able to compare!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I think you're right - Sonya isn't the easiest of roles. I'm seeing this production again in six weeks time, so it will be interesting to see if she's changed at all - it's possible, if the actress gains a bit more confidence that she could be more convincing. It's about nine years since I last saw the play, and can't remember anything about it, other than the vague plot details.

[rusty_armour]

I'm glad it was such a great production because I know how much you were looking forward to it. :-) Considering the strength of the acting and the production itself, I'm sure the formal reviews will be good.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - yes, I was definitely looking forward to it!

I can never tell with reviews - very often I don't agree with them anyway!

[solosundance]

Excellent, glad to hear it was a good production. Richard Armitage and Toby Jones sounds like a grand combination. Daughter was recently introduced to Chekhov (Three Sisters) and had a definite wanting-to-shake-them reaction :D I hope she'll persevere.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. They were excellent together.

I can sympathise with your daughter's view!

[howsmyenglish]

the characters could have had a better future if only they had done something.
Oh yes, that's Chekhov all over. Frustrating as may be. :/

[smallhobbit]

Very true :)

[debriswoman]

Pleased you got to see Mr Armitage:-)
Delighted you enjoyed it.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - I was very happy to do so. And particularly because the play was good!

[rachelindeed]

This sounds wonderful, too! So glad you got to see a favorite actor performing live, that's always special.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. It was very special.

[corvidology]

How lovely that you got to see him and enjoyed the performance. :D

I'm not a particular fan of Chekhov either.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it did make me happy.

At least it wasn't Pinter ...

[corvidology]

Too true!