What’s it all about?
This is the Chekhov classic so, naturally, we have art and its role in life, love, almost all of which is unrequited, plenty of existential crises, and seagulls (literal and metaphorical).
The plot itself follows a group of individuals – among them renowned actresses, aspiring actresses, accomplished writers, ambitious writers – as they gather to watch a play written by the latter and starring one of the former budding performers.
Needless to say it doesn’t go well, as tempers fray, jealousies develop and happiness appears an all too impossible goal.
Who’s in it?
Janie Dee is at the centre of an absolutely faultless cast. In the role of Irina, the Olivier Award winner oozes grandeur and superiority as she struts, poses and proves herself as the most spectacular actress (and human being) around. She gets outstanding support from Poldark’s Sabrina Bartlett as the aspiring Nina, Alex Robertson as a frantic note-taking Boris Trigorin, Ian Redford as a lonely Peter Sorin and Matthew Tennyson as a determined but ultimately doomed Konstantin.
What should I look for?
A lake – yes, an actual… well probably artificial… lake – complete with skinny dippers.
Jon Bausor’s incredible design, which not only features the aforementioned lake but also an imposing mirror, almost as large as the stage, erected above it, giving audiences a… err… bird’s eye view of the action.
The voices inside the characters’ heads.
A pigeon that almost steals the limelight from the seagull. Literally.*
*We might be wrong, but we’re pretty sure that the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre can’t guarantee the appearance of this performer at any given performance.
In a nutshell?
An incredible design and stunning performances shine whatever the weather at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer with the venue’s striking take on the Chekhov classic.
Who was in the press night crowd?
Alex Gaumond and Laura Pitt-Pullford were getting in the geographical zone for their forthcoming appearance at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where they’ll take on the venue’s 2015 musical offering Seven Brides For Seven Brothers later this summer.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Really loved the electrifying, intelligently altermative production of The Seagull at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park last night.
— Rachel Halliburton (@Hallibee1) June 25, 2015
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Just saw the wonderfully chilling The Seagull at the Open Air Theatre last night. Beautiful set and acting, and surprise cameo by a pigeon.
— Radhika Swarup (@rdswarup) June 25, 2015
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Will I like it?
The sun was out (almost), the air was warm and there wasn’t a plastic poncho in sight. Those were already three key ingredients for a great night at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Add to that some outstanding performances and a set that couldn’t have been any more befitting of the venue or the play, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a perfect theatre trip this summer.
The Seagull is playing at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 11 July. You can book tickets through us.