Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya filmed for BBC

Uncle Vanya’s cast includes Toby Jones (centre)

UK pubcaster the BBC is set to broadcast a filmed performance of the West End production of Anton Chekhov play Uncle Vanya.

With shows in front of a theatre audience put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic, the performance was filmed behind closed doors last month.

The cast and crew involved adhered to strict Covid-19 safety regulations, with regular testing, self-isolation, PPE equipment and social-distancing measures in place throughout.

Uncle Vanya follows a fragmented family falling into a state of disrepair. Directed by Ian Rickson, it features Richard Armitage, Toby Jones, Dearbhla Molloy, Anna Calder-Marshall, Rosalind Eleazar, Aimee Lou Wood and Peter Wight.

The screen production, from Angelica Films and Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP), will be shown in cinemas across the UK ahead of its BBC launch, with the dates for both yet to be confirmed.

In a joint statement, SFP head Sonia Friedman and Angelica boss Sally Angel said: “Collaborating on filming Ian Rickson’s extraordinary production of Uncle Vanya has been a wonderful and inspiring experience.

“Despite all the challenges involved in filming this production, with no social distancing on screen, the results are testament to a brilliant and dedicated cast and crew led by Ian himself alongside Ross MacGibbon.”