Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has made her long-awaited West End debut in this adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Originally scheduled to open in March 2020, The Seagull managed a handful of preview performances before London’s theatres were ordered to close due to the pandemic, ahead of its official opening night. More than two years later and Jamie Lloyd’s production – based on Anya Reiss’ recent adaptation – has finally opened. Has it been worth the wait?
We’re pleased to report that it has indeed been worth waiting for – Emilia Clarke shines in this new staging. It’s a stripped-back production – the set is a chipboard box, the costumes are simple, and the only props are the plastic chairs that the cast sit on. If it wasn’t for the quality of the acting, it would almost feel like a rehearsal. This pared-back approach allows us to focus entirely on the tone of voice and small gestures, which are used effectively throughout by the talented cast.
While Clarke is of course the big-name draw here, we were very taken with Tom Rhys Harries starring opposite her as writer and heartthrob Trigorin. Sophie Wu’s entertaining emo-inspired Masha proved an effective counterfoil, bringing some comedy to proceedings with some deliciously deadpan delivery. Stealing the show, however, is Clarke’s former Game of Thrones co-star Indira Varma as uptight mother Arkadina. Her sheer obnoxiousness had us laughing throughout – in this show she’s the queen of backhanded compliments.
The Seagull may not delight audiences in the traditional sense that a West End play with a star name might – for the most part it tells its story slowly, quietly and simply. While it’s incredibly effective and powerful, we realise it won’t be to everybody’s tastes. For those who allow themselves to get lost in its world, though, The Seagull is an impressive achievement – it’s amusing, intelligent, and tells a gripping tale.
GAY TIMES gives The Seagull – 4/5
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