Uncle Vanya Wows The Critics

Now playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Anton Chekhov's widely celebrated play, Uncle Vanya, is arrived back in London's West End in the shape of Ian Rickson's 2020 revival. Starring Toby Jones and Richard Armitage, what did the critics think of this latest homage to the classic?

The Guardian was full of praise for the production, saying, "...full of energy despite the play's prevailing ennui. It does not radically reinvent or revolutionise Chekhov's 19th-century story. It returns us to the geat, mournful spirit of Chekhov's tale about unrequited love, ageing and disappointment in middle-age, while giving it a sleeker, modern beat."

The Hollywood Reporter mirrored the sentiment saying, "Conor McPherson's brilliant, buoyantly accessible adaptation of Uncle Vanya, directed with customary verve by Ian Rickson, which recognizes and enriches the play's essential duality - the funnier this is, the sadder and more painful it becomes." They continued with, "McPherson's lithe, light, modern, bittersweet test is in the hands of an excellent ensemble who collectively elicit our indulgence, led by a barnstorming comic performance from Toby Jones. Suddenly the ennui and personal disappointments of fin de siecle landowners and their hangers-on have a ring of familiarity."

The Telegraph praised the production's star-studded cast saying, "Toby Jones is stunning" and "...Sonya - played throughout with an almost heartbreaking youthful radiance by Amiee Lou Wood". They continued with "the ensemble is a store-house of talent, each giving their moments" and "Richard Armitage is the dashing tree-hugging doctor Astrov".

Want to see it for yourself? Book your tickets to Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre here!

What is Uncle Vanya about?

If you thought your family reunions were tough, spare a thought for Vanya (Jones), whose life is turned upside down by the appearance of his late sister's husband and his glamorous new wife Yelena. Interrupting his daily schedule of bemoaning provincial ennui with his friend Astrov (Armitage), he not only has to deal with his pompous dear brother-in-law (and landlord) and his money-making schemes - notably selling the Estate Vanya has loyally managed for him for many years - but with mounting feelings for the beguiling woman who has taken his sister's place. He better act fast though, because Yelena's admirers have already begun forming a disorderly queue...

Uncle Vanya is now playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre through to 2 May.