The last play I saw Cate Blanchett in, I described at the time as a 'tedious two hours', so I was keen to see her in something different – and better.
In The Seagull at the Barbican Theatre, she isn't the only star casting joined by Tom Burke (Trigorin), Emma Corrin (Nina), Tanya Reynolds (Masha), Jason Watkins (Pyotr) and Kodi Smit McPhee (Konstantin).
It's a modern adaptation of Chekhov's play by Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier, which shifts the focus more onto the women and emphasises themes of the sense of self and purpose through art and creativity.
Set on the lakeside next to a pontoon which juts out into the audience, there is a tall crop of rushes as a backdrop, which provides a 'secret' entry point to what appears to be a fairly secluded and idyllic spot to hang out on warm days and evenings. The rushes are also a place for people to hide and eavesdrop on those lounging on the assortment of chairs.
The pontoon is where Konstantin stages his fateful play.
But there is a little less Konstantin in this production; his absences suit the 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude of his mother, Irina (Blanchett). Her eyes are only for the slouchy-shorts-wearing Trigorin.
Deliciously OTT
Blanchett ratchetts up the 'look at me' side of famous actress Irina. She is deliciously OTT but not in a hammy way.
What she wears is a combination of attention-grabbing and 'dress for the age you want to be'. It's urban and young, and out of place in the country, like Irina.
But she's not a one-trick, ego monster. Beneath the big performance of being, she is sensitive to Trigorin's growing attention for Nina, there are glimpses of genuine affection towards her brother Pyotr and a signs of a fun-loving girlisness that seems to come from a time before she was famous.
Artistic endeavours – and creative success – are framed as purpose, a reason to exist and be. And so is love. It defines, fulfills and tortures. Oh, how it tortures.
But there is also a lightness to this production. The adaptation weaves tongue in cheek references poking fun at theatre and the arts – the very thing it represents.
Music is used as a frame around scene shifts – all Billy Bragg songs. It is perhaps a slight poke at the dichotomy of 'artists' who, while being left leaning, seem to care only for themselves.
It's a meaty and fun piece – and a great piece to see Cate Blanchett in. I'm giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
The Seagull, Barbican Theatre
Adapted from Chekhov by Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier
Directed by Thomas Ostermeier
Cast includes Cate Blanchett, Tom Burke, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Emma Corrin, Tanya Reynolds and Jason Watkins.
Running time: 3 hours including an interval
Booking until 5 April. The run is virtually sold out, but there is a £35 ticket lottery on TodayTix, visit the Barbican website for more information.
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