IN Anton Chekhov's classic drama Uncle Vanya, opening on Friday (27) at The Questors' Studio Theatre, Ealing, a respected professor returns to his remote family estate after many years in the vibrant city of St Petersburg.

He brings with him his beautiful and bewitching, much younger second wife. But their arrival creates chaos and confusion amongst his family and fuels three love affairs.

This production is performed in-the-round, with audience on all four sides, hemming in the characters in a way that reflects their feelings of being trapped in their own lives!

Often regarded as Chekhov's greatest play, Uncle Vanya is a masterpiece of tragic-comic human desires and disappointment.

Lisa Varty, who plays Sonya, says: "I've seen her described as 'Saintly Sonya' and I really, really wanted to avoid that.

“She's an intrinsically good person, but I think she's pretty tough too.

“Sonya is a gift of a part -- complex and meaty and really rewarding."

The Questors' Studio is perfect for a close-up view of Chekhov's gallery of complex and memorable characters.

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, translated by Michael Frayn, is being presented on February 27 and 28 and March 3-7 at 7.45pm and on March 1 at 2.30pm. Tickets £13 (£12 conc, £7 under-16/student), final Fri/Sat £15 (£14 conc, £8 under-16/student). Buy tickets online from www.ealingtheatre.com, or phone the box office on 020 8567 5184.