Review: The Seagull, Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre
- Lisa in the theatre
- 23m
- 4 min read
Mike Poulton's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull is directed by The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh's Artistic Director James Brining and stars TV favourite Caroline Quentin in her Lyceum debut. The Seagull runs at the Lyceum until 1st November. Read my review below.
The Seagull, Edinburgh Royal Lyceum ★★★★☆
Gorgeous: Every scene could be an oil painting!
The Seagull by Anton Chekhov | Adapted by Mike Poulton | Directed by James Brining
Review: 14 October 2025 | The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Anton Chekhov's classic play about the loves and lives of a group of well-to-do Russian artists is revived in a new production by the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. This version of the play has been adapted by Tony and Olivier award-nominated writer Mike Poulton and is directed by the Royal Lyceum's new Artistic Director James Brining, in his first production for the theatre.
As someone who is new to Chekhov's work, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to follow it. But I thankfully found Brining's play not only easy to follow but completely captivating. The narrative focuses on a group of people who all seem to be in love with someone they shouldn't be, and are all a little miserable as a result. It is a comedy, but also a tragedy.
In all honesty, there's not a huge amount of action on stage. It's a play where there is a lot of dialogue, many characters and a good deal of conversations between them. But every sentence matters: You really must listen closely for surprisingly a number of key events take place off stage or in-between acts. I was shocked at times to learn that months or even years had passed in a heartbeat.
There is so much to unpick in Chekhov's observations of these characters. I now understand why The Seagull is so loved and continues to be performed almost 130 years after its premier. This group's battles with unrequited love and unfulfilled, disappointing lives easily translate to today.
For a Chekhov novice like myself, it helps that the Lyceum have assembled a superb company of excellent stage actors to tell their tale.
Much has been made about the star casting of Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek star Caroline Quentin as fading actress Irina Arkadina. But the star casting on this occasion is no gimmick: Quentin is superb. A born stage actor, her diction and projection are outstanding and she commands attention every moment she's on stage. Quentin's Arkadina is vain, bold and often tactless; her words cut deeply and her need for attention and approval are devastating. A fascinating, memorable character brought to life vividy by Quentin and Brining.
Arkadina's son Konstantin is played by the brilliant Lorn Macdonald who brings not only sharp humour but a vulnerability to the role. Macdonald's comic timing is divine, but his sensitive portrayal of an obviously depressed character, who longs for love and approval is beautifully judged and convincing.
Dyfan Dwyfor likewise works well alongside Quentin, his confident, charismatic Trigorin another complex, flawed character. Forbes Masson is as steady as always as Dr Dorn, and John Bett impressive as Sorin. Among a company of strong performers, Tallulah Greive stood out with her assured, expressive performance of a black-clad Masha in mourning for her hated life.
A highlight of the Lyceum's The Seagull is the impressive design and staging of it. Every scene could be an oil painting, with Colin Richmond's substantial country house and lakeside sets magnificent in their ambition. Madeleine Boyd's costumes are glorious, with Quentin's Arkadina in particular draped in gown after gorgeous gown. Everything and everyone is beautifully lit by Lizzie Powell's soft and precise lighting.
The Seagull is an aesthetically stunning production that stays true to its classic theatre roots. There's no groundbreaking technical wizardry nor avant-garde theatrics on show here. And barring a few Scottish phrases here and there, there's no attempt to stray too far from the original text. The Seagull at The Lyceum is just timeless, pure theatre. It's gorgeous. ★★★★☆
The Seagull plays at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh until 1st November 2025 and then transfers to Chichester Festival Theatre later in the month. Find the full venue listings and cast details in the cast announcement article below.
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Artistic Director of The Lyceum James Brining commented:
“I am delighted to bring this exciting new version of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull to the Lyceum stage - my first as Artistic Director. To work with the incredible Caroline Quentin and a great cast of Scottish actors on such a theatrical classic is thrilling. The play is an examination of theatre itself, which is why it felt like such a perfect introduction for myself as a director in this new role.”
