Rikki Henry directs a new production of Uncle Vanya in David Lan's English version at Bristol Old Vic, 22 April - 15 May 2027.
Uncle Vanya runs at Bristol Old Vic, 22 April - 15 May 2027. It is a co-production with Stratford East. Tickets are from £11, with general sale opening at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 October 2026. Age guidance is 12+.
Rikki Henry, Bristol Old Vic's RYTDS Associate Artistic Director, directs. David Lan wrote the English version.
Henry's concept for the play was first seen at Theater Dortmund in 2023, where it was praised. This is an entirely new English-language production.
The action moves to a run-down office. The water cooler drips, filing cabinets tower over the desks, paper is everywhere and a phone rings without stopping. A Windows 95 chime sounds. Time does not move.
Vanya is in the middle of a midlife crisis. He works with his devoted niece Sonya, and the local doctor, Astrov, is a regular presence. Alexander, Sonya's father and the widower of Vanya's late sister, arrives with his glamorous new wife, Yelena. Vanya has paid for the couple's expensive city life for years. Alexander now announces that he means to sell the business.
Vanya and Astrov both appear to fall for Yelena. Sonya is not so sure of her. Long-buried feelings come out over vodka, with devastating results.
The Times called Lan's version a "notably sharp, bright translation".
Uncle Vanya is one of the headline productions in Bristol Old Vic's 2027 season, alongside the world premiere of Disco Dracula and the 40th anniversary revival of Leave Taking.
