Serebryakov - Mark Humble

A condescending, pampered retired professor in his sixties. A self-made man who is pompous, vain, irritable and demanding in the wake of many illnesses. He often leaves his family to look after his estate whilst he lives it up with his new wife in the city. He is self-absorbed, has many illnesses and has no empathy for other people’s feelings

Yelena - Louise Elliker

Serebryakov's poised, beautiful and much younger wife. Heavy with disappointment she is full of indolent boredom and discontent and causes much disruption on the estate. She regrets marrying a man she cannot stand having mistaken intellect and admiration for love. Her hidden feelings for Dr Astrov are expressed in a sudden volcanic eruption of passion.

Sonya - Emma Nuttall

Serebryakov's daughter from his first marriage. An unhappy young woman in her twenties, aware that time is slipping away and in love with the local doctor, Astrov. She is lovable, loyal, insecure and painfully aware of her limitations and lives a monastic hard-working life with her Uncle Vanya on her father’s country estate. She remains unbowed and determined to move on with her life at the end of the play.

Mariya - Frankie Godliman

The energetic Mother of the professor’s first wife, she is now in her seventies. All through her life she has conducted herself as an intellectual, reading pamphlets and engaging in social, economical and philosophical issues. She dotes on the professor and livens up whenever he visits his estate. She clashes with her lazy son, Vanya, during the course of the action.

Vanya - Paul Foster

Mariya's eminently likeable son who gave up his career to cut his expenses and provide for his mother. He is self pitying and often made to look a fool. He works on the estate and feels like a displaced person, more so on the arrival of the professor. He has an unrequited passion for Yelena. An educated, disillusioned, dissolute man who has failed to fulfil his early promise. He drinks a lot, is a bit of a crackpot and carries a lot of the sarcastic humour in the play.

Astrov - Nick Lund

A local doctor who has a love of nature and researches the dangers of deforestation. He is a charming romantic idealist with a faded nobility whose good looks have eased his passing through life. Careworn by his work and the many miles he has to travel, he is a heavy drinker but is still very attractive to women.

Telegin ('Waffles') - Marc Anderson

An impoverished landowner in his sixties who lodges with the family. His wife left him soon after they married but he carries himself with dignity. He is rather poetic and provides the family entertainment by playing the guitar.

Nana - Jean Warner

A nursemaid to the family. Very much part of the family, she is warm hearted, kindly, reliable and capable. She makes shrewd observations on human behaviour. A great comfort to others she adds a stolid humour to the play and a warmth generated by routine.

Director - Judith Dolley

Stage Manager and Set Assistant - Clare Pinnock

Set Design and Construction - John Godliman

Continuity - Sandra Thomas

Sound - Ian Santry

Lighting - Nigel Greenaway

Set Assistant - Emma Nuttall

Set Assistant - Tim Mardell

Set Assistant - Linda Mardell

Set Assistant - Ian Thomas

Set Assistant - Liz Thomas

Set Assistant and Scenic Artist - Linda Russell

Flyer and Programme Design - Anne Nunn

Publicity - Maddison Heywood

Publicity - Frankie Godliman

Photography - Alan Bostock (www.photoeyes.biz)