Walking into what was only the second Chekhov play that I'd ever seen, I was a little apprehensive. Would all the names get muddled in my head? What if I didn't 'get it'? Would I fall asleep?!
I didn't have to worry, though; this show is a gem. Wry satire and feminist undertones abound, culminating in a feel-good and thoroughly entertaining celebration of love, no matter the circumstance. Chekhov has never felt so relevant.
Three brilliant actors, a dodgy table, and a bottle of Smirnoff come together to lend the riskily simple story infinitely more dimensions; despite its farcical, one-act nature, it leaves an audience satisfied and chuckling. We tut at Elena's melodrama, delight in Grigory's blatantly insecurity-driven condemnation of women, and cheer at the inevitably romantic denouement. An introduction on Chekhov's life and works is useful, if a little school-esque, but this is quickly forgiven as the action gets going. The lengthy monologues avoid dragging, and there's a healthy dose of slapstick - always a good antidote to discourse on the Russian patriarchy.
The costumes are impressively luxurious, too - I was particularly taken by a specific black velvet skirt, the swish-ability of which was demonstrated with great vigour. Other than skirts, special mention has to go to Lucy Wordsworth, in the role of the long-suffering maid, Luka. Wobbling hands, a brilliant accent, and a formidable stage presence transform a young actress into the epitome of an aged-housekeeper stereotype, and the audience loves it.
Basically, bravo!!
Written by Grace Spencer
Thank you for the kind words Grace :) A lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I loved the show, well done to everyone!
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