Anton Chekhov's last play 'The Cherry Orchard' is one of his best. Other favourites being 'Three Sisters' and 'Uncle Vanya'. It is a masterclass of complex characterisation and mood, while Chekhov's characters were not what one considers "likeable" they are complex and real and he was a master at creating vivid atmosphere. There are plenty of fantastic moments in Chekhov's text, his writing style was heavily criticised and scorned at in his day but it is not a problem with me, other than taking a bit of time initially to get used to the wordiness.
That it had a younger Judi Dench and Anton Lesser and Richard Eyre as director were also major interest points for this 1981 production of 'The Cherry Orchard'. Which on the whole was very good and moving, a more than worthy version of this great play. Just so good to see 'The Cherry Orchard' so well performed, full of emotional impact and generally true to Chekhov's intentions. It isn't perfect but as far as versions of the play goes it is up there with the best available.
It isn't perfect, have seen very few Chekhov adaptations that fit that distinction. The only real issue, but it is not an insignificant one unfortunately, were that the satirical elements could have been a lot stronger and sharper. It's there, just not strongly enough. When it comes to the drama, that is nailed here but not everybody remembers that Chekhov isn't all moody and serious, there is satirical humour in his plays and have seen adaptations and productions that miss that or don't emphasise it as strongly as ought. It is not as over serious though as the Alan Bates/Charlotte Rampling version though.
However, there is a huge amount to admire. It is extremely well acted all round, especially from poignant, sympathetic Dench and Bill Patterson on fierce form. It is very intelligently directed by Eyre, who really succeeds in making the drama vividly moving and intense and he does so well agreed at being true to Chekhov's specific intentions when it comes to the character interactions.
Really liked the intimate atmosphere, while the production is beautifully designed while not looking stagy. Chekhov's dialogue really shines without being too wordy and so does the very complex characterisation, where every nuance and trait is brought out. The ending did make me sob, this is an ending that always moves and it takes a lot for anybody to bungle it in my view. It's far from bungled here. Music is suitably haunting while not over emphasising.
Overall, very well done. 8/10.
That it had a younger Judi Dench and Anton Lesser and Richard Eyre as director were also major interest points for this 1981 production of 'The Cherry Orchard'. Which on the whole was very good and moving, a more than worthy version of this great play. Just so good to see 'The Cherry Orchard' so well performed, full of emotional impact and generally true to Chekhov's intentions. It isn't perfect but as far as versions of the play goes it is up there with the best available.
It isn't perfect, have seen very few Chekhov adaptations that fit that distinction. The only real issue, but it is not an insignificant one unfortunately, were that the satirical elements could have been a lot stronger and sharper. It's there, just not strongly enough. When it comes to the drama, that is nailed here but not everybody remembers that Chekhov isn't all moody and serious, there is satirical humour in his plays and have seen adaptations and productions that miss that or don't emphasise it as strongly as ought. It is not as over serious though as the Alan Bates/Charlotte Rampling version though.
However, there is a huge amount to admire. It is extremely well acted all round, especially from poignant, sympathetic Dench and Bill Patterson on fierce form. It is very intelligently directed by Eyre, who really succeeds in making the drama vividly moving and intense and he does so well agreed at being true to Chekhov's specific intentions when it comes to the character interactions.
Really liked the intimate atmosphere, while the production is beautifully designed while not looking stagy. Chekhov's dialogue really shines without being too wordy and so does the very complex characterisation, where every nuance and trait is brought out. The ending did make me sob, this is an ending that always moves and it takes a lot for anybody to bungle it in my view. It's far from bungled here. Music is suitably haunting while not over emphasising.
Overall, very well done. 8/10.