Chichester Festival theatre
Natalie Dormer is exceptional in the title role while Phillip Breen’s production reflects the scope of the novel’s ambition, though the story never fully reaches its emotional depths
The stampede of actors making their way from screen to stage continues with Natalie Dormer’s return to the boards as the lead, tragic figure in Leo Tolstoy’s story of one aristocratic unhappy family.
She is exceptional in the part of Anna, inhabiting the boldness, insecurity and anger of the discontented wife seeking her freedom through romantic passion. But there is little chemistry in her relationship with Vronsky (Seamus Dillane) – the rakish military man for whom she leaves her loveless marriage, and he is a non-character, left uncoloured.
Phillip Breen’s adaptation of the novel is however, always original, without playing fast and loose with the story. There is an inspired use of music, especially in the sound of a weeping or skittering violin. It is theatrically daring, with the ensemble sitting on regal seats when they are not performing, and a loose, handsome set, designed by Max Jones creates a sense of desolated opulence.
