Gossip

Alan Ayckbourn Tackles Vanya in 2010???

Editorial Staff
London's West End

Following his retirement as artistic director of Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre last year, you could be forgiven for thinking that the ever-prolific Alan Ayckbourn was slowing down. However, on the evidence of our recent interview with the esteemed playwright and director, it appears that, if anything, he’s speeding up – with a particularly juicy project in the pipeline.

Speaking to Whatsonstage.com chief critic Michael Coveney, Ayckbourn revealed he’s working on a new adaptation of Uncle Vanya, set to premiere next year: “The day after The Norman Conquests opened to acclaim at the Old Vic, I got a telephone call from David Pugh asking me to team up again with director Matthew Warchus on a new Uncle Vanya”.

Pugh first hinted that he was planning the production last year (See The Goss, 18 Jul 2008), and Ayckbourn confirmed that Ralph Fiennes and Ken Stott are lined up to star. The project would mark a reunion for the two actors who enjoyed much critical acclaim for their work in last year’s West End comedy God of Carnage, and will certainly be one of the most hotly anticipated plays of 2010. Ayckbourn also revealed he’s working on a new play for the Stephen Joseph autumn season.