The Seagull

Synopsis

Written in 1896 this is a comic play of aspiration and failure. Nina aspires to be an actress, Kostya a writer. Madame Arkadina and Trigorin are already these things. Can the young people's dreams come true or will they sour when confronted with the adult world?

Our Review:

11 August 2003

Perhaps it was a mistake for Steven Pimlott to stage Chichester's new production of The Seagull in the wide-open space of the main house rather than in the adjoining Minerva studio. In Chekhov's dramatic work, almost all of his characters live in closed boxes of one sort or another, both literal and figurative. They meet and clash because they cannot get away from one another. This unceasing claustrophobic atmosphere and how the characters accomplish (or don't) their escape provides the bulk of the dramatic tension.

As with Loveday Ingram's Chichester production of Three Sisters, two years ago, this Seagull demonstrates that the Festival Theatre stage is not conducive to fanning the simmering passions underlying the multiple triangular relationships. Alison Chitty's otherwise excellent water-based installation design for this year's Venetian-themed season now seems to constrain the action, rather than liberate it. There is lit...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.56.7) - 8 August 2003:

Pleasant surprise given the expectations as I have really hated some of Pimplott's recent productions. Several problems, not the least being the width of the Chichester stage which Pimlott seems determined to utilise thus diluting what is really a drawing room play -having characters wandering around on the not cleary defined inside and outside bits. Wonderful to see Sheila Gish up to her usual standards, looking very distinguished in her eye-patch, no surprises with Des Barrit's usual thoughtful performace - totally convicing as a declining character, but the real eye-opener was Philip Quast who has improved beyond measure and is a really wonderful Trigorin. Rather strange whimsical Dorn from Michael Feast and some weaker performances elsewhere. I wasn't at all happy with the new translation. Konstantin on learning that Trigorin is on his way "I'm outta here" not exactly Chekovian, but all in all an entertaining evening. ...

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