Author: Anton Chekhov, adapted by Richard Brown
Directors:
The Proposal – David Gresham
The Anniversary – Izzy Rees
The Bear – Philippa Watts
Swan Song – Nick Warburton
Produced by: Bawds
Venue: ADC Theatre, Cambridge
Performance: 16 April 2026
Photos credit Paul Ashley.
A witty, energetic celebration of Chekhov’s sharp humour, delivered with flair and panache.
This thoroughly enjoyable evening brings together four of Chekhov’s short farces -originally written as vaudevilles in the 1880s – here deftly adapted by Richard Brown for a modern audience. The result is a production that retains the essence of Chekhov’s characters and humour while sharpening the dialogue for contemporary thinking.
The evening flows seamlessly, with transitions that are as playful and inventive as the plays themselves. Watch out for the fabulous choreographed musical balletic scene changes, keeping the momentum between pieces.
The set design is simple yet effective: a series of interior spaces that shift subtly for each play (with an appearance by frequent ADC star, the chaise longue), allowing the performances to take centre stage. And it is the performances that truly shine – crisp, well-paced, and delivered with a precision that ensures the comedy lands. The costumes are also key, from beautiful period dresses to more contemporary attire in Swan Song.
The Proposal opens the evening with high energy, as the trio of performers skilfully navigate escalating absurdity. The squabbling mother, daughter and suitor, create a tightly wound comic dynamic that sets the tone perfectly.
In The Anniversary, the setting shifts to a bank office, where order is continually disrupted by interruptions. The escalating chaos is handled with excellent timing, as the hapless clerk’s attempts at speech-writing unravel.
The Bear offers a slightly darker comedic edge, as an unexpected visitor intrudes upon a woman’s grief. The performances here from Zöe Bond and Alex Mitchell are particularly strong, balancing emotional tension and chemistry with sharp humour and creating a compelling and engaging farce.
Finally, Swan Song provides a fitting close to the evening. In the quiet aftermath of a first-night party, the ageing Actor and his Prompt reflect on life, missed opportunities and theatre. Beautifully performed by James Dowson and Alex Priestley, this piece blends poignancy with humour, offering a touching and timeless conclusion.
Overall, this production is a delightful showcase of four one-act comedies, each distinct in tone yet united by a strong ensemble and inventive direction. An entertaining evening, with a talented company and adaptation enabling a modern audience to enjoy Chekhov’s witty vaudevilles.
Verdict: A lively, sharply executed collection of comic gems – amusing, engaging and fun.
