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:

28 November 2007

There is nothing much wrong with Trevor Nunn’s production of The Seagull for the RSC which has arrived (with King Lear) in the New London after touring to Singapore, Melbourne, Wellington, Auckland, New York, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. But nor does it set the pulse racing.

Nunn insists that the new English text is not a version but a translation, and a close study of the programme with a microscope yields the information that this text has been “made” (from a literal translation by Noah Birksted-Breen) by the director “in consultation with the company in rehearsal”. Which may explain why it has no particular flavour or pungency.

The New London is a good venue for the company (there are rumours that it might become a permanent home). Once you negotiate the conference centre-style foyers and stairways, the interior has an epic vastness that Nunn and designer Christopher Oram exploit to the full. It’s not as good as the Barbican,...

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Latest User Review

Joe Smith - 6 January 2008:

Only mediocre production from the obviously past it Trev Nunn. Thank GOD for Katie Mitchell and her gob-smacking genius at the NT.Beautiful performances from some, notably Monica Dolan and William Gaunt ranging to the risable from Francis Barber and Gerald Kyd (who he?)...

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