Like any good production of Uncle Vanya, there looks to be a contradictory mix of comedy and despair in the rehearsal room for Anya Reiss’ take on the Chekhov classic.
We’re not suggesting, of course, that John Hannah and the rest of the cast are despairing over their performances in Russell Bolam’s forthcoming production; we’re merely referring to the obvious presence of both laughter and melancholy in Simon Annand’s rehearsal images.
Chekhov’s tale, about a man whose life is turned upside down when his late sister’s husband returns home with a new wife in tow, begins previews at the St James Theatre in less than a week.
Until then take a look at our gallery above to see how Hannah and his co-stars Amanda Hale, Amanda Boxer, Buffy Davis, Joe Dixon and Alan Francis are preparing for the show’s run.
We’ll give extra points to anyone who can work out what type of animal is sporting dreadlocks in the shot of Bolam and Reiss sitting in front of a photo montage.