The Seagull

Chekhov’s: The Seagull  

This version adapted: Anya Reiss 

Produced: Portishead Players 

Directed: Ben Salter 

Date: 10th October 2024 

Noda Rep: Mike Purnell 

The thing I applaud the most about Portishead Players, and also admire, is the  diverse program of theatre they provide the public with. It would be so easy to  always pick plays and shows that have been done time and time again by other  clubs and which are classed as safe, good ticket sellers but now and again it’s so  exciting to throw a curve ball. A Chekhov play I consider to be a brave choice and I  must admit even my heart lifted when I was told it was an adaption and more  condensed version.  

Bens excitement for this, his first solo directing role, was immense. That came over  in spades and having read your biography in the program, yes, I think you are right  - this was an excellent choice for you. Bringing a touch of the classics with a  modern twist this certainly made for a very interesting night.  

The pace was generally very good. Quite important with such a wordy play, just a  couple of times the pickups were just slightly slow but each time the quality cast  brought it back to speed and kept the audience totally engaged. The Acting was  

very strong from everyone. Each individual gave a clear cut version of their  characters and I must say the focus was incredible.  

I was a little confused between scene 1 ending and scene 2 starting. There was a  time-lapse but it wasn’t quite clear enough. Please don’t take any of my  suggestions as criticisms because I know how much Ben believed in his choices  for this play and followed his vision. I just had two thoughts. Personally I’d have  liked a costume change which would have been the best way to depict the time  changes and although I got your thoughts on the set completely, I just felt it was  little bit like being in a rehearsal room watching an excellent rehearsal. I suppose  I’m so used to seeing such elaborate sets with previous productions, but in saying  that I’m so glad you followed your vision. I’m beginning to think I’m getting a bit  old fashioned, I’m the person who disliked the latest Westend version of Sunset  Boulevard with absolutely no set whatsoever and everyone dressed in just black  but what it did have that was amazing was the technical aspect and was  spectacular. So what I’m probably trying to say is when you go for simplicity it still  needs something that gives us a wow moment or experience. In saying that I did  love the light effect of the gunshot just before the interval, made us all jump and  take a sharp intake of breath. Love those moments.  

What I did find mesmerising was the story telling. We were extremely clear on this  and Ben absolutely pushed those characters out into the audience. I really felt  there was some very hard work on getting those characters just right. A young  woman searching the limelight, a man seeking out the woman of his dreams, a 

writer striving for a success and an actress fighting the ravages of time! Sounds  familiar of today doesn’t it? So little has changed in over 100 years since this play  was written. Most likely even more poignant now with the likes of social media. But  shattered dreams, heartbreak and hopes dashed are the ingredients of the night  with nowhere else to turn but on each other. Enthralling. This really was so well  cast I applaud each and everyone of you.  

Some characters: 

Konstantin  

This performance was very well judged. A writer struggling to find his voice and  always in the shadow of his mother who is a successful actress and her lover the  accomplished writer Trigorin. You portrayed the self defeating childish impatience  very well and we could pick up that you were tormented by your need for love and  constant approval. Congratulations this was well thought through.  

Nina  

This was obvious how much work you had put into studying this complex  character. A very fine actress who I enjoyed watching immensely. The white  costume worked well for you. We were never quite sure if your love for Konstantin  is real or are you just hoping to get close to his successful actress/mother to help  you reach your dreams of becoming a successful actress yourself. You portrayed  the hopeless romantic well and yet the ambitious side to you came over very  clearly. Very enjoyable.  

Irina  

What a great part for you. We could see how much thought had gone into your  character portrayal. Not only a good actress but good comic timing with some of  those lines. You looked terrific and were very much the diva style actress. We  could see you loved and craved the attention and yet your stubborn and vain side  really shone through. Good work.  

Boris  

A very welcome new member I’m sure to Portishead players. Good stage presence  and fine acting capabilities. You portrayed the esteemed Russian writer extremely  well. Very striking. It felt obvious that you felt you had missed out on youth and  young romantic experiences trying to seek out a writing career for yourself. You  worked very well along side both Irina and Nina. I look forward to more  performances from you in the future.  

Sorin  

In your biography you stated that you hope you did justice to the character Sorin.  Well you certainly did. I thought you kept perfectly in character all the way through.  For someone who was not happy with their lot, you showed compassion and  admiration to others talents. Having seen you in a couple of performances now I’m  really enjoying your work. An excellent team player. 

Shamrayev 

This was certainly an acting challenge for you. One you took on wholeheartedly  and it worked. You embodied this character perfectly. Despite being husband to  Polina to whom you came over as unattentive and enjoyed embarrassing her, your  adoration of Irina was very obvious. Especially her fame and fortune and ties to  other famous Russian artists. I felt you really enjoyed playing this character I liked  the firmness you displayed when showing control of the farm estate. Good energy  so hats off to you. Good job done.  

Dorn 

I felt this character was always on the peripheral almost observing as one of us in  the audience. You came over as a very compassionate character but not too  involved with the desires and stresses as the other characters so you seemed  more relaxed. Good portrayal.  

Polina  

Another good actress. You worked very well with Shamrayev your stage husband. I  enjoyed how you portrayed the embarrassed wife and were very obviously in a  loveless marriage. A good team player.  

Medvedenko 

I really enjoyed the journey of this character. I thought your timing was excellent  and pitched him just right. The boring school teacher who spent most of his time  talking about his own poverty and then pursues the very melancholy Masha I  thought you were a match made in heaven and worked extremely well together.  Good stage presence.  

Masha 

I have so enjoyed seeing you grow as an actress and getting very comfortable with  being centre stage. I really enjoyed this performance especially seeing the maturity  you bought to Masha. A very well constructed and all rounded performance. The  black costume helped enormously depicting your feelings and mood throughout.  Your repressed feelings for Konstantin were so obvious and yet you settled for  Medvedenko giving in to the disappointments of life. You portrayed these feelings  extremely well. Well done. I look forward to your next production.  

So another triumph for Portishead Players in my view. I really hope the audiences  who came really enjoyed it. Thankyou Lynda and your great front of house team for  our usual warm welcome. We always feel part of the family.  

Until the next time 

Best wishes 

Mike. 

 

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