Step Into Chekhov's World with Uncle Vanya

L-R: Mark Roberts as Telegin, Mark Crossley as Uncle Vanya, Elaine Freeborn as Nanny. Photo by Richard Smith.

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov. A new version, adapted and directed by David Fletcher. At The Loft Theatre, Victoria Colonnade, Royal Leamington Spa, from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 2 November 2024.

Review by Ann Evans

Uncle Vanya was written by Anton Chekhov in 1897, yet the storyline is as modern and relevant as anything written today. Dealing with the themes of love, unrequited love, ambition, frustrations and all the emotional turmoil of a group of people all under one roof – even with regard to environmental issues over forest preservation and wildlife.

The setting and atmosphere of this play however is placed very solidly in the late nineteenth century deep into the Russian rural landscape of a country estate. The opening sombre cello music (played off stage by Sara Lane Rees) takes you instantly into old Russia, where we find ourselves in a large sunlit room. Huge windows, sturdy furniture and various doors leading in and out, cleverly give the impression of a manor house of importance and stature.

Rosie Pankhurst (Sonya), Dave Crossfield (Astrov the doctor). Photo by Richard Smith.

One window looks out onto a forest, sound effects indicate a driveway for horse-drawn carriages; another window is cleverly lit to provide dappled sunlight reflecting off the walls. It’s Russia, it’s summer and visitors are about to descend on the calm and tranquil household.

The estate is run by Sonya, a single young woman and her Uncle Vanya, who share their home with Vanya’s elderly mother and an elderly Nanny. It’s a peaceful existence, the only excitement being when the handsome doctor Astrov visits. Unbeknown to him, Sonya has secretly been in love with him for six years. He barely notices her.

Dave Crossfield (Astrov), Leonie Slater (Yelena). Photo by Richard Smith.

His head is turned however – along with Uncle Vanya’s when Sonya’s famous father and his beautiful new young wife unexpectedly turn up. Emotions and passions flare up; grievances come to a head – even the weather takes a turn for the worst as a thunderstorm hits.

Tempers and emotions boil over, people are pushed to the limit and disaster looms. No spoilers if you don’t already know this classic story, but I will say that this play, even though its set in a world almost 130 years old will hold you captivated throughout.

L-R: Mark Crossley (Uncle Vanya), Rosie Pankhurst (Sonya), Leonie Slater (Yelena), Mark Roberts (Telegin, Dave Crossfield (Astrov). Photo by Richard Smith.

Perhaps one thing that places it as Victorian literature, is the way that it ‘tells rather than shows’. Particularly in the earlier scenes, where the characters talk in great detail about the past, leaving you in no doubt as to who’s who, and what their back story is – which I liked, but whether it would be acceptable in a contemporary play is debatable. This story incidentally was adapted by Chekhov from his earlier unsuccessful 4-act play, The Wood Demon.

Every member of the cast played their parts to perfection. Mark Crossley brought Uncle Vanya to life brilliantly with all his frustrations and thwarted desires. Rosie Pankhurst as Sonya was a delight to watch as the gentle, composed young woman, so in love with the doctor. The doctor Astrov was played with passion by Dave Crossfield. The object of three men’s desires was of course Yelena, the glamorous new wife of the Professor.  Leonie Slater played this part really well – putting up with the constant complaining of her ill-tempered husband and trying not to succumb to the doctor’s persuasive ways.

Tempers flare. L-R: David Bennett (Professor Serebryakov), Mark Crossley (Uncle Vanya), Mark Roberts (Telegin). Photo Richard Smith.

David Bennett played that grumbling old man to perfection. Telegin (Mark Roberts), an impoverished guitar playing landowner brought humour along with Nanny – Elaine Freeborn, who knitted most of her time away on stage – I learnt later that she can’t knit! She did a very good impression of it however! And Mariya, Vanya’s old mother played by Wendy Morris had a genuine Victorian presence about her that made you think she had actually just stepped over from those distant times.

Particularly lovely too were the costumes. Clearly, a lot of thought and consideration had gone into the wardrobe (Helen Brady). Fabulous period dress – and colour coordinated in beige and whites that blended beautifully with the heavy wooden furniture of the house and the overall ambience.

L-R: Mark Crossley (Uncle Vanya), Rosie Pankhurst (Sonya). Photo by Richard Smith.

Music Composer, as well as playing piano and guitar off stage was Jonathan Fletcher. Great lighting too setting the time of day, whether a hot summer’s afternoon, a stormy night, dawn breaking – and exquisitely, the pure calm and serenity of the final scene – just beautiful.

If you’re wary about seeing a Chekhov play, I would happily suggest you experience Uncle Vanya at the Loft Theatre. The audience sat enraptured from start to finish with rapturous applause at the end – a really worthwhile experience. Well done to all the cast and crew.

 The free ticket offer for 16-25 year olds applies for this show.

For times and tickets: www.lofttheatrecompany.com or email: boxoffice@lofttheatrecompany.com  or call 01926 830 680 (answer phone service).