Andrew Scott is no stranger to bold choices. But taking on every role in Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya? That’s a theatrical gamble few would attempt. Yet, in Vanya, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Sam Yates, Scott delivers an intimate, revelatory performance now captivating audiences at New York’s Lucille Lortel Theatre after a successful West End run.
The Power of a Singular Voice
Performing solo in a play known for its tangled relationships and deep melancholy might seem daunting. Yet, Scott transforms the experience into something uniquely powerful.
With no external distinctions between characters, audiences are invited to look past superficial traits and connect directly with their emotions. “When you have one person playing all the characters, you look at other things,” Scott explains. “You have to ignore the surface stuff and focus on what’s underneath.”
That shift in perspective reveals something striking: Chekhov’s characters are all, in their own ways, reflections of ourselves. They fret over aging, unfulfilled desires, and the meaning of their lives. Stripped of traditional staging, Vanya becomes a deeply personal experience.
From London to the Lucille Lortel
Bringing Vanya to New York was a deliberate choice, not just another stop on the tour. Scott and his team scouted venues early last year, but it was his experience watching Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! at the Lucille Lortel that sealed the deal. “That was obviously just completely stupendous,” Scott recalled.
The intimate setting was exactly what Vanya needed. Designed by Rosanna Vize, the minimalist set—a table, a few chairs, a kitchen wall, and a player piano—offers no distractions. “There’s something about the lo-fi nature of it,” Scott noted. “It’s very, very vulnerable. It’s a very exposing kind of play.”
An Unexpectedly Playful Performance
Despite its serious themes, Vanya is not without humor. “The idea of one person doing this whole show is ridiculous,” Scott admitted with a grin. And yet, the play doesn’t just lean into the absurdity—it thrives on it.
Somehow, even in this one-man format, the chemistry between characters remains electric. The tension between the virtuous doctor and another man’s trophy wife, for example, is as charged as ever. Watching Scott embody both roles, shifting seamlessly from one to the other, adds a fresh layer of intrigue.
A Homecoming of Sorts
For Scott, returning to New York—particularly to the West Village—feels deeply personal. “This street means a lot to me,” he shared. “I came here as a young man. It’s so moving. To be here just feels completely, completely wonderful.”
There’s something fitting about Scott performing Vanya in a place that holds so much meaning for him. The play, after all, is about longing, memory, and the passage of time. And for New York theatergoers, his presence on stage is a rare treat.
