Ben Allen plays the creatively frustrated and love torn Konstantin in our current production of The Seagull. Here he gives you five reasons to go and catch the show at the Lowry.
1) It’s Chekhov – There’s a reason why we’re still performing Chekhov over a hundred years after his death, and all over the world. Just as with Shakespeare, Chekhov writes incredibly well about what it’s like to be a human being. He manages so well to capture the ridiculousness of life, whether it be ridiculously tragic, ridiculously funny, or just plain ridiculous. The Seagull is considered by many to be Chekhov’s greatest achievement, and its first performance all those years ago radically changed the world of theatre, and we still feel its influence today.
2) It’s Anya Reiss – Anya Reiss wrote the adaptation which we are performing, which relocates the play to modern day UK, specifically placing the action in the Isle of Man. This is a bold move, but one that totally works and gives the play a new sense of vitality and relevance to British audiences. Often the layer of 19th century ‘Russianalia’ can be a bit distancing (just what is a samovar anyway?) but everything in this version is instantly relatable. Anya’s writing also gives the play an acerbic edge; it’s a glorious mixture of cruel and cruelly funny.
3) It’s a fantastic cast – Well, yes I would say that, but it’s true! The show has been cast brilliantly with a mix of faces you might know from television and theatre. Actors generally love working on Chekhov plays as there is so much to find and explore, and this production is no exception. We all adore this play and this production, and are only disappointed the run is so short!
4) It’s current – Regardless of the modern setting, there are timeless themes within this play – unrequited love, the meaning of life and youthful ambition. But some themes specifically chime in with our current society. Money for example is a big theme within the play – people wanting it, talking about it, being tight with it, squandering it. Sound familiar? Fame and celebrity is also a prominent theme, and I don’t have to look far out of my dressing room at the Lowry to see a huge billboard for The Voice… I guarantee you will come away from this show amazed at how relevant it is in 2014.
5) It’s the last Library Theatre Company show – ever! – Yes, it’s true. There will be no more Library Theatre Company after this show as the company becomes HOME following its merger with Cornerhouse. It’s also the final show by Chris Honer as the company’s Artistic Director. So if you’ve loved coming to watch the company’s shows over the years or if you’ve never seen a Library Theatre Company show before, you really ought to book tickets.
The Seagull runs until Sat 8 Mar 2014. You can book tickets online here or from The Lowry Box Office on 0843 208 6010.