Reader Reviews
Uncle Vanya (Minerva Theatre, Chichester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I'm not a gargantuan Chekhovian, but I have to say that this nearly converted me. With its pretty set (live silver birches 'growing' out of the stage) and good actors, perfectly capturing the mood of a bored Russia, there was little to fault it with. Roger Allam was very good, and Timothy West bought a touch of humour to the cantankerous Serebryakov. One rather odd thing though: Maggie Steed, a good performer, stayed on stage but said barely anything. But all good really; Acts 1 and 2 took a while to get going, but 3 and 4 were exciting and, using loud gunshot noises on stage coupled with an electrifying Allam, quite thrilling. - JR | 04 Jul 12 |
| A wonderful production - all the case are very good indeed. Roger Allam, as the reviews agree, is particularly touching as Vanya, but I found Dervla Kirwan's final speech absolutely heart-breaking. One of the best 'Vanyas' I've seen - can't recommend it too highly. - Cerdita | 12 Apr 12 |
| Have to agree. This was a real treat. This is a fabulous production at the wonderful Minerva. A real quality cast has been brought together to fully deliver Chekhov's middle age nuance that is all too familiar! - Martin | 10 Apr 12 |
| Very good and very depressive. Allam makes good use of his shock of hair to support his frustration. In the opeing scene when he enter the stage says it all. The luck of joy in his life. Hanson as Astrov showed the dark side of being a doctor. Not the usual glamour but the loner who is only appreciated when in need. West as old professor who has lost his sense of the real life gets his wake up call when chased by Vanya. Kirwan's Sonya accepts the dilemma and keeps Vanya on track in the full knowledge that things won't change. Definitely, worth seeing. - Elisabeth | 10 Apr 12 |
