Rating: 2/5

Link to tickets: https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/vanya-and-

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

How many Chekov references can Christopher Durang fit into one play? Turns out, quite a few. Something I should’ve anticipated just from the title of the play. I’ve seen a handful of Chekov plays in my time, but nothing that I could reference to off the top of my head. And ultimately, this hindered my enjoyment of this play.

The thing that kept me remotely interested throughout the play was the cast. The ensemble of actors have a wonderful dynamic with each other that was enjoyable to watch. The stand out for me was Sara Powell as Cassandra who was utterly hilarious and steals the show most of the time she’s on stage as the cleaning lady with psychic tendencies.

But ultimately, this was a play that wasn’t for me. I didn’t find it particularly funny for a comedy. And I know I’m in the minority here because the audience were lapping it up the night I attended. I didn’t really understand what it was exactly meant to be about? The first half leads up to a costume party that is never really mentioned again in the second half. But then it slightly delves more into the dynamic between the siblings which actually was interesting, it’s just not given enough stage time, in my opinion. Perhaps I just don’t know enough about Chekov or his plays to feel fully invested in this play. Can’t win them all!

Until next time