Chekhov's Comic Twists: November 2010
By Anton Chekhov, trans. Harvey Pitcher and Patrick Miles
Newspaper Review
It is not often that one is treated to a world premiere, but that is what was in store for the audience who saw 'Chekhov's comic Twists', a series of sketches and a one-act play performed for the first time in English. Putting on a performance of a sample of Chekhov's comic works was a brave undertaking, but the humour and the age of the original material stood up well thanks to the sensitive and quietly witty translation by Patrick Miles, responsible for the one-act Vaudeville and best-known piece 'The Bear', and Harvey Pitcher, for whom the conversion from Russian and the writing of the linking narrative was clearly a labour of love. Some of the material in the original form was described by Pitcher as 'quite salacious'; however clever writing, crisp direction by Bernice Escott and convincing physical performances by the cast avoided the content descending into smut. Each had a moral point to make within it, somewhat like Struwwelpeter without the cruelty.
The cast ensured that a steady smatter of laughter came from the auditorium, the punchiness drawing warm applause even though the plot of 'The Swedish Match' was easy to work out and the twist at the end of 'The Objet d'art' could be seen coming a mile off. David Starling, as Chekhov, had the duties of narrator in between sketches, providing a cerebral and ironic commentary; his continuous presence at the right hand corner of the stage not distracting from the other performers in any way. The sets by Kees Van Woerkom and his team had been well thought out; enough to set the scene without overpowering, thereby throwing the spotlight firmly on to the actors and the dialogue.
There were some strong performances from the cast to be enjoyed. James Sadler's over-eager gift bearer, subtly camp barber and zealous young police officer being excellently acted. There was very convincing interaction in 'The Bear' between David Bull's delightfully indignant Smirnoff, despite a touch of first-night nerves, and Hazel Randall's hilariously overblown grieving widow. Matthew Warrington's vocal performances and facial acting were notable, bringing out his characters well, particularly as one sketch confined him to a steel bath for the duration. Charlotte Richmond struck a neat balance between winsomeness and naughtiness as the Young Maiden, with Johanna Kirk suitably coquettish as a dacha 'Landlady'. Tim Travers' performance as a bungling detective drew much laughter, as his facial expressions while trapped in a chair wearing only a towel as a nervous barbers' victim drew even more. John Meikle took on the more elderly roles, being funnily doddery without being hammy.
Overall, a well written, well acted offering on a suitably Spartan set, and a credit to all involved.
Guy Bartle
Scroll down for photos, cast and crew.
| Introduction | An Incident At Law |
| Narrator / Chekhov: David Starling | Chekhov: David Starling |
| The Objet d'Art | The Bear |
| Florinsky: Tim Travers | Yelena Ivanova Popova: Hazel Randall |
| Sasha Smirnoff: James Sadler | Grigory Stepanovich Smirnoff: David Bull |
| Harkin: John Meikle | Luka: John Meikle |
| Shashkin: Matthew Warrington | Servants: Sara Russell, Moya Leighton |
| Dresser: Moya Leighton | |
| At The Bath House | In The Dark |
| Gentleman: Tim Travers | Chekhov / Narrator: David Starling |
| Mikhailo: James Sadler | Marya Mikhailovna: Angie Maddigan |
| The Priest: Matthew Warrington | Gagin: Matthew Warrington |
| Masha: Moya Leighton | Pelageya: Sara Russell |
| From The Diary Of A Young Maiden | The Swedish Match |
| Young Maiden: Charlotte Richmond | Kuffkin: Alan Brodie |
| Psekov: Matthew Warrington | |
| Rimsky: Tim Travers | |
| Korsakov: James Sadler | |
| Dr. Tyutyuyev: John Meikle | |
| Nikolai: Nigel Manson | |
| Marya: Joan Spall | |
| Olga: Imogen Bruce | |
| Backstage | |
| Director: Bernice Escott | |
| Stage Manager: Kees Van Woerkom | |
| Assistant Stage Managers: David & Brenda Williams | |
| Props: Joan Spall | |
| Prompt: Helen Sawyer | |
| Publicity: Libby Henshaw | |
| Photos: Ben Britton | |
| Lighting: Matt Coomber |
