Review: VANYA, Duke of York’s Theatre

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Besties, Vanya, a modern version of Chekhov’s play (Uncle Vanya), adapted by Simon Stephens, arrives at the Duke of York’s Theatre this week. There is one huge difference in this adaptation: every role in the play is performed by the outstanding Andrew Scott (Fleabag, Sherlock). With no costume changes or dramatic scene setting, Scott flits from one character to the other and back again with an overwhelmingly impressive ease.

During dialogue between characters, it would be understandable for the audience to become confused and unclear as to which of Scott’s characters is speaking. Not here. Even when there are numerous people in a conversation, Scott masters each of the parts so convincingly that there is not a hint of confusion over who is speaking. In fact, it’s so well done that when one character is speaking to another, you can visualise them on the receiving end of the conversation. Scott utilises his whole range to achieve this; he is funny, delicate, powerful, pained, comical and everything in between. Packed with black humour and tragedy, the play spans the full emotional spectrum and provokes belly laughs and tears alike.

Scott is so impressive, there’s a risk that you’ll be too distracted by his feat to concentrate on the storyline. Happily, that’s not an issue here because Chekhov’s play, whilst famously about average people doing not much at all, is incredibly captivating and moving, a reminder to love the life we have. Examining the choices and decisions we all make every day, the play stands up incredibly well and despite being over 120 years old, remains as relevant and relatable as it ever was.

Of course, it isn’t just one man - Scott is supported by a talented team behind the scenes, which is evident in the staging and lighting. Scott’s movement against the simple set design allows him to travel around the stage as the different characters, without any of it feeling too clunky or obvious. The door in the centre of the stage is well used to differentiate between the various family members, along with accents, small quirks and props.

The 1 hour 40 minutes flies by as Scott commands the stage. It takes a spectacular actor to convincingly embody all eight members of this dysfunctional family. Scott is so perfect in all of the roles, it’s impossible to imagine the play with seven other actors in it.

Vanya: it’s melancholic, it’s funny, it’s down, it’s up. It’s life, presented to us by one man, in the performance of the year.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

Vanya plays at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre until 21 October, with tickets available here.