Andrew Scott starred in a one-man adaptation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, a play I hadn’t previously seen. He played eight parts. Each part was identified by a slight change in his voice, and of his features, and through a mannerism. For example, Ivan (Vanya) wore sunglasses, Doctor Michael bounced a ball, Maureen the housekeeper smoked a cigarette, Helena fiddled with the chain around her neck, Sonya with a tea towel. This was okay when they had substantial speeches but more difficult when they participated in quick-fire dialogue. I had to concentrate to make sure I knew who was speaking at any one time.
Clearly, this was a tour de force by Andrew Scott: his incredible talents were showcased. But. It was hard work. It would have been easier had there been eight actors, playing their parts. As such, it made demands on the audience and for what? So they could applaud Andrew Scott? Because I was focusing on the mechanics of the acting, I had less mental capacity left over to consider the characters. On the whole, impressive though it was, I think it did a disservice to Chekhov.
Except in the sense that it made me want to both read and see the play. So perhaps it was worthwhile after all.
But there were some very funny moments in it, mostly drawn from the fact that the only person on stage was Andrew Scott so that when Liam feeds the (invisible) dog he is permitted to wonder where it has been in all the earlier scenes.
In the 2024 Olivier Awards, Vanya won Best Revival and Andrew Scott was nominated for Best Actor.
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