I went along fairly innocent and with only a cursory knowledge of Chekhov, having seen a few productions of The Cherry Orchard or The Seagull over the years. Far from the existential despair that the originals induced in me, this was an uproarious comedy, kind of hyper throughout with overacting all round, but to very humorous effect. No knowledge of Chekhov required, but getting some of the references will give you an extra chuckle. All actors great, but the leads (Vanya, Sophia, Masha) especially good. Masha is the real Norma Desmond, a fading egotistical B-movie actress full of vanities and romantic delusions.