The Globe Theatre is, of course, best known for its performances of Shakespeare but now, for the first time, they are tackling another theatre great, Anton Chekhov. This is the world premiere of a new translation of Three Sisters by playwright Rory Mullarkey and 125 years after it was written, the story feels as pertinent as ever.

Our three sisters are Olga, Masha and Irina who live in a small town in the Russian countryside but long to return to Moscow. However as time passes, idealism is soon replaced by realism as the cast are forced to consider what their lives have and have not become. It is a sense of diminishing hope, yearning and stagnation in life that underpins this production. Caroline Steinbeis’ direction highlights this as a host of characters: the sisters’ brother Andrei and his fiancé Natasha, the doctor and the soldiers stationed nearby, rush on and off the stage from all directions but the location of the Prozorov house does not change.

Simple changes are made to the set accompanied by live music to signpost the acts of the play. This is paired with dwindling candlelight, designed by Anna Watson, a wonderful feature unique to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which firmly roots this production in the 20th Century and charts the demise of our characters’ world. Oli Townsend has paid exceptional attention to detail especially in the costumes which chart the passage of time. Natasha’s garish green bow in the first act is replaced by a simple green belt later in the play.

Russians are often characterised as being grim or stoic and this is certainly the case in Three Sisters as throughout the play, they lament about their suffering. Therefore, you would not expect these themes of failed love and lost dreams to bring about such a funny production. However, the amount of laughs derived from black Russian humour are a wonderful surprise if perhaps, due to the subject matters, a little too frequent. Despite this and the distinctly Russian drama and content of the play, the story is achingly relatable in the current climate and leans into the dark and dry British sensibility to make jokes in dire situations.

A trip to see Three Sisters could be an incredibly depressing experience but this production has a brilliant, exuberant energy and this can largely be credited to its excellent cast. The nature of Chekhov’s work, which spans multiple years, creates a plethora of opportunities for character development, complex performances and relationships. You truly feel the love amongst the company and the Prozorov sisters. The pace of the action as the characters frequently jump in and speak over one another make this profound production delightfully engaging.

This is truly an ensemble piece and the outstanding cast is the sum of all its parts. Michelle Terry is wonderfully strong but tender as eldest sister and matriarch figure Olga. Her protection of elderly servant Anfisa (Ishia Bennison) against the demands of the new mistress of the house, self-serving Natasha (Natalie Klamar), is heartwarming to watch. Shannon Tarbet brings humour and wit as Masha. Unfulfilled by her work and marriage, she begins an affair with Vershinin (Paul Ready) who has a tendency to hilariously philosophise but is also hiding from the challenges of his suicidal wife. Masha’s directness clashes with the jovial nature of her husband Fyodor, played with superb sincerity by Keir Charles. Youngest sister Irina goes through the most emotional change and Ruby Thompson rises to this challenge. The play opens on her name day and she is glowing with youthful energy but as she fails to succeed in returning to Moscow and finding love, she remains resolutely hopeful.

Chekhov’s domestic drama charts a period of decline for the Prozorov family but the Globe’s terrific production of Three Sisters highlights that light can always be found in the darkest of times.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Luck

Three Sisters plays at Shakespeare’s Globe until 19 April, with further info here.