This bizarre new musical drama, directed by Linnie Reedman, is performed around a fascinating art installation and focusses on Anton Chekhov’s excursion to the Volga with a group of artist friends, the events of which inspired ‘The Seagull’.
Even the presence and charming voice of Persia Lawson could do little to lift the production
It is challenging to feel any empathy for these unfulfilled artists, however, when their over-arching passions come across as the petty fancies of petulant children. Even the presence and charming voice of Persia Lawson could do little to lift the production out of the torpidity into which it sinks.
On too many occasions the performances err towards the demonstrative and there is a terminal lack of emotional connection. The stilted production is further interrupted by the heavy-handed lyrics and grating motifs of Joe Evans’ music. Despite glimpses of humour in the second act, Reedman’s direction and self-indulgent, verbose script condemn it to be just as gratuitously drab as the first.
* 1 star
Runs until 31st March
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