National Theatre Live: Vanya

To enjoy this version of Uncle Vanya, two conditions are essential:

• to be familiar with Anton Chekhov play;
• to be familiar with Andrew Scott manner to build his characters - his Hamlet can be useful prepair -.

Because , at first sight, it is a provocative version- one actor plays all the characters . The manner to do that is not real surprising - the accent on humor sides of each character was present in other adaptations. And Mr. Scott knows to use each nuance in fair - precise manner, fair reminding the play itself and its versions.

But, obvious, it is only an experiment, perfect for Andrew Scott who use, in brilliant way, entire liberty offered by lines , meanings of words and context.

Iloved the final of play, maybe little strident in this case but beautiful crafted.

So, no doubts, Andrew Scott deserves his Vanya and this play is the precious pledge for it.

If you've never seen Uncle Vanya, this is not the adaptation you want to know the play by Anton Checkov: it won't give you any idea of what the original is about.

Andrew Scott plays all the characters. A bold move, but that's not the problem. He is an actor good enough to try it. His farcical adaptation is the problem. All the characters are defaced by an endless sequence of childish, pointless jokes and mannerisms, like a 5th grader mocking his teachers and aunties, making them caricatures of the originals.

He tries to catch up with tragic ethos of the play in the end, with the final monologue by Sonia, but then it's too late: all empathy one could have for her, her uncle, or anyone else in the play was already destroyed before.

What is more enraging is that this failure is not due to acting incompetence. It would be understandable if it was. But no, I really believe Andrew would be capable of pulling this off, with a different, I'd say even opposite, approach. What a great opportunity was lost here!

If you never saw Uncle Vanya and wants to be introduced to Checkov's classic by a movie, try 'August'. It's an adaptation by Anthony Hopkins set in his native Wales, which he stars, directs, and also wrote the soundtrack for.

I believe it would be correct to say that this is far away from a regular play and if you want a classical Chekhov play and the story then this might not be it. As I've seen it now I realise how much it is about Andrew Scott and what an actor can do. This is the real reason everyone should go watch it, in case if you want to be a part of the experiment and see how Andrew gives a brilliant performance.

Especially since he is playing like 3 female characters and 3-4 male characters? I must admit that as I'm not a native English speaker and I'm not very familiar with the original material then I really needed to pay attention and even though Andrew made it quite simple to understand the character change sometimes I could have drifted away as at one point one of the character states as well.

Absolutely Stuning Performace.

Scott's portrayal is wry, confiding, often archly funny, and at times, wrenchingly sad. His ability to evoke deep emotions while maintaining the play's comedic elements is truly remarkable. This performance is a testament to Scott's extraordinary talent and a must-see for any theatre lovers.

Andrew Scott's portrayal in the modern rendition of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" at the Duke of York's Theatre is nothing short of a theatrical marvel, showcasing why he is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. Scott, who already has a remarkable career filled with iconic roles, delivers a performance that is both profoundly moving and breathtakingly brilliant.

Scott's ability to convey the complexities of Vanya's despair, frustration, and fleeting moments of hope is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

What makes Scott's performance stand out is his incredible range and his ability to inhabit not just Vanya, but the entire ensemble of characters. With minimalistic staging and simple costume changes, Scott transforms seamlessly between characters, each distinct and vividly brought to life. His transitions are so fluid and convincing that the audience is effortlessly drawn into the world of the play.

Scott's Vanya is a tragic figure, yet he infuses him with a wry humor that underscores the absurdity and futility of his plight. Scott's portrayal captures the essence of Chekhov's writing, balancing the tragedy with moments of comedy that feel authentic and raw.

The emotional depth Scott brings to his performance is nothing short of astonishing. There are scenes where his portrayal of Vanya's anguish and despair are so visceral that one can hear a pin drop in the theatre. Scott's face becomes a canvas for a myriad of emotions, each flicker of doubt, anger, and sorrow communicated with breathtaking clarity.

One particularly powerful scene is Vanya's confrontation with Professor Serebryakov, where Scott's intensity reaches its peak. The palpable tension and raw emotion during this confrontation are masterfully executed, leaving the audience at the edge of their seats. It's in these moments that Scott's brilliance truly shines, as he navigates the character's internal turmoil with both power and sensitivity.

Scott's impeccable timing and delivery make every line resonate with the audience. His interpretation of Chekhov's dialogue is both modern and timeless, breathing new life into the classic text. Scott's understanding of the rhythm and cadence of Chekhov's writing allows him to deliver lines with a natural ease that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.

The comedic elements of the play are handled with a deft touch, and Scott's ability to find humor in the midst of tragedy adds a layer of complexity to the character of Vanya. His performance is a masterclass in balancing the light and dark elements of the play, making the audience laugh even as they empathize with Vanya's suffering.

Scott's "Uncle Vanya" is not just a performance; it is a singular theatrical experience that leaves a lasting impact on me. His ability to engage and connect with the viewers creates a sense of intimacy that is rare in large theatre productions. Scott breaks the fourth wall effortlessly, drawing the audience into Vanya's world and making them complicit in his journey.

The production's minimalistic set and lighting design serve to highlight Scott's extraordinary talent. With little more than a few props and subtle lighting changes, the focus remains squarely on Scott's performance. This stripped-down approach enhances the raw emotional power of the play, allowing Scott's interpretation to take center stage.

Took a while for me to care. In the beginning they were all boring, unpleasant, pathetic or vile. The only good thing about it was Andrew Scott's performance and the occasional humour. Which is what makes it a four star to be honest.

I don't remember much of Uncle Vanya, if anything, but I remember I felt so sorry for him. This play brings everything closer to modern day and the characters feel diminished and much less worthy.

Anyway, I liked the last half hour, when I could actually connect to and feel for some of these people. But truly the high marks are for the performance. I don't know if this gimmick was really needed and I might have empathized more if I had individual actors for the other roles.