Sam Wanamaker Playhouse — Attraction in London

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: A Candlelit Wonderland

Stepping into the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is like being transported back in time—if time travel involved a lot of candles and a dash of theatrical magic. This intimate, indoor theatre is a gem nestled within the Shakespeare's Globe complex, and it’s the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys a side of history with their drama.

The Three Sisters: A Chekhovian Delight

Now, onto the main event: "The Three Sisters." Chekhov’s classic play was brought to life in this cozy, candlelit setting, and let me tell you, it was an emotional rollercoaster with a side of existential dread. The play follows the lives of three sisters who dream of escaping their provincial town for the bright lights of Moscow. Spoiler alert: they don’t make it. But hey, it’s Chekhov—what did you expect?

The Performances:

Michelle Terry as Olga: Terry’s portrayal of Olga was nothing short of riveting. She managed to be both conversational and funny, while also conveying the deep sadness of a woman who never found love. It’s like watching your favorite sitcom character suddenly deliver a Shakespearean monologue—unexpected, but you’re here for it. Shannon Tarbet as Masha: Tarbet’s Masha was a masterclass in sardonic wit. Her sullen, sarcastic demeanor was perfectly balanced with moments of fiery passion. It’s like she’s the love child of Helena Bonham Carter and a particularly grumpy cat. Ruby Thompson as Irina: Thompson’s Irina was the picture of youthful optimism slowly being crushed by reality. Her performance was both plucky and heartbreaking, like watching a puppy realize it’s not getting any treats today.

The Set and Costumes:

The set design by Oli Townsend was enchanting, with embossed gold-leaf birch trees and detailed period costumes that transported the audience straight to 19th-century Russia. The candlelit atmosphere added a touch of magic, making it feel like we were all huddled in a cozy drawing room, sharing in the sisters’ joys and sorrows.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a night of profound existential musings, mixed with a healthy dose of dark humor, "The Three Sisters" at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is the show for you. Just be prepared to leave with a newfound appreciation for your own mundane life—because at least you’re not stuck in a provincial Russian town with no hope of escape....

This theatre is absolutely stunning and has a unique atmosphere, and were it not for the shockingly poor seating, I would have happily awarded it five stars. My experience, unfortunately, was significantly marred by the worst seating arrangement I've encountered in all London theatres I have been to. In "upper gallery", I had a "restricted view" seat – directly behind a pillar. Given the already cramped dimensions of the seat and its proximity to the pillar, I'd say my view was effectively reduced to about 20%. I doubt it's even possible to watch a performance from that seat. I was fortunate that the adjacent seat was vacant, allowing me to stay. The seating itself is another major issue. Instead of individual seats, the theatre uses numbered sections on a bench, creating an incredibly cramped environment. Space between patrons is virtually non-existent, and legroom is severely limited. Passing in the rows is a logistical nightmare, requiring everyone to move out of the way. I also noticed that even the standing room is aggressively numbered, and young students had to squeeze to fit into the rows. Furthermore, be mindful that there is no back support on these benches, making it physically demanding to sit for an extended period in such...

Shakespeare's Globe actually has two theatres.

One is the summer theatre, with an open ceiling design, built after the information we had from how the original would have looked like.

The other one is an indoors theatre, the Sam Wanamaker playhouse (named after the Initiator of the New Globe project), smaller in size and more suited for the colder season.

Both are beautiful, with many intricate embellishments, painted walls and columns. The Wanamaker is quadratic rather than round inside, and a little more simple yet elegant.

We watched "Tales of the Forgotten She Wolves", which was pretty good. Feminist and ambitious as exspected, we especially liked the Transgender actress' perspective because it came unexspected.

Heck, they were all great really. An Asian STEM take on Grace Hopper, a feminist take on David and Batsheba, and a much needed alternative light shed on Ed Gein's mother.

Yes, the serial killer. Who was probably more influenced by his brutal tanner of a father than his mother.

All in all a great evening. I for once will come again, but this time to see a play in the Globe and preferably staged in...