Chekhov’s enduring popularity though is not the main reason this production could put up the ‘sold out’ signs a long time before it opened. One Knight of the British stage and two stars of American cinema have proved quite a draw and on balance they don’t disappoint. Laura Wade’s adaptation provides great moments of comedy and these shine. This production, with its famous faces and knockabout visual comedy will send the packed audiences home delighted to have been there. It’s a success in these terms, but is by no means the great piece of theatre its resources and opportunity may have promised.