Anton Chekhov’s famous short is re-imagined for the stage in an adaptation from Mark Giesser, who also directs. The Lady with a Dog, which has transferred to the Tabard Theatre following a successful run at The White Bear, does a good job of retaining the original spirit of Chekhov’s work, even if does now find itself with a little more meat on the bone.
The bittersweet love story sees the action move from 19th century Russia to 20th Century Britain, but it’s not exactly a modernisation. The era is the 1920’s, and five years on from the Armistice Anne and Damian are vacationing on the Scottish coast without their respective spouses, Damian ingratiates himself through Anne’s small Pomeranian, and a love affair develops, when the holiday comes to an end, neither feels they can live without the other.
While the first act explores the blossoming relationship, the second delves in to the following years, where clandestine meetings are explained away with business trips and medical treatments. The spouses are more than suspicious, and while divorce is mentioned once it is quickly dismissed.
It’s difficult to know just how much the spouses are aware of, because real conversations are mixed with imaginary ones. When Damien first plucks up the courage to visit Anne at her Wilton home, his wife is by his side, offering advice and goading him into taking action, but it’s all in his head of course.
Thanks to Giesser, it’s not difficult to see why Anne and Damian should want to escape their current partners. Duncan MacInnes is marvellous as the wet squib Carl, more interested in crossword puzzles than his wife’s affair, while Laura Glover gives voice to Elaine’s sarcastic, and acerbic put downs.
The character of Damian feels like it’s been watered down somewhat, no longer the rampant womaniser painted by Chekhov, Richard Lynson exploits the softer side afforded by Giesser. The whole strength of the production comes from Beth Burrows in a tender and beautiful portrayal of Anne.
Oscar Selfridge’s picture postcard, and colourful, art deco set is a joy to look at, while the costumes from Giulia Scrimieri give the whole production a level of authenticity, often missing from fringe theatre.
The Lady with a Dog ticks along at a gentle pace, with some amusing moments. There was the potential there to create a wild Noel Coward type period comedy, but devoid of any risk taking we have a comfortable play that is unlikely to either amaze nor displease anyone.
