UNCLE VANYA till 14 April
UNCLE VANYA: Anton Chekhov, Adapted by Bryony Lavery
Birmingham Rep: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Runs: 2h 15m, one interval, till 14 April
Review: Rod Dungate, 28 March 2007
Perfectly captures the essence of Chekhovian comedy
In this version by Bryony Lavery, and in Rachel Kavanaugh’s sharp production, Vanya has an invigorating immediacy. Bryony Lavery has beautifully captured the language – it’s easy, easy-going, but it avoids jarring colloquialisms or modernisms.
The boredom of many of the characters manifests itself in diverse ways, but there is a pace about the production that ensures it grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Comedy emerges naturally from this, and the constant explosions into passionate argument flow naturally (and are often, also, funny.)
The production captures the essence of Chekhov’s comedy – that when we’re at our most serious, we’re at our most comic.
John Ramm is a splendid Uncle Vanya; boiling with rage at the way he’s been treated all his adult life. There is a passionate energy in his anger; it’s both ridiculous and touching – the perfect combination. Flora Montgomery’s Elena is elegantly sophisticated; her boredom emerging as aimless pacing around – in Ruari Murchison’s stunning sets, often between slender silver birches. Characters often wander among them – what an image! And the second act is underscored by the loud sound of deluging rain against huge windows. So much space.
This is an extremely strong company. From Christopher Godwin’s pompously self-centred Serebryakov, to John Hodgkinson’s easy-going and engaging Astrov, to Jill Halfpenny’s hard-working and tragic Sonya, and many more, you won’t really get better acting anywhere.
Marina: Georgine Anderson
Astrov: John Hodgkinson
Uncle Vanya: John Ramm
Serebryakov: Christopher Godwin
Elena: Flora Montgomery
Sonya: Jill Halfpenny
Telegin: Robert Goodale
Maryia: Gillian Hanna
Efin: Tim Gallagher
Director: Rachel Kavanaugh
Designer: Ruari Murchison
Lighting Designer: Mark Jonathan
Composer: Catherine Jayes
Assistant Director: Sam Yates
2007-03-29 10:49:56