Yvonne Arnaud – until 24th October 2026
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Director Roy Marsden, a skilled and well known actor, has used his experience to craft a succinct piece focused on the facts laid bare for all to see. There is much written about the Russian royal family and their tragic demise, which even now creates division in most conversions within Russian communities and history scholars alike. Through the eyes of a detective, you are given a clear perspective of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna or Mrs Chikovsky and finally Mrs Mohahan, and how history moulded her life. Marsden leaves us to draw our own conclusions on the truth of her identity, rather than deciding for us.
Jenny Seagrove (Anastasia) consistently offers an honest portrayal of a traumatised young women, all the way through to an old lady who just wants to be left alone – no more questions that she knows the answers to. The transition is offered through clear body language and a change in tone. Seagrove (Anastasia) expertly anchors the belief in who she (Anastasia) is, regardless of the never ending questions and rejection by her family. The delivery of historical facts and personal details through conversation is cleverly built into the script. The speed and fluidity of Seagrove’s delivery is undeniable.
Simon Shepherd (Inspector) gives gravitas to this role and the carriage of truth and justice. The Inspector (Shepherd) has a strong belief in family heritage and is seeing through his own father’s mission to find the truth about Anastasia. Shepherd (Inspector) is able to deliver narration in his deliberations naturally and inquisitively. The evidence set out before us is the result of the Inspector’s (Shepherd) investigation, revealing duplicitous family ties blinded by treasurers just out of their reach. It quickly becomes a mission to prove Anastasia’s identity rather than discredit her claim. He is a believer!
Ashley D. Gayle and Rosie Thomson offer a variety of characters and accents to accentuate the storyline. They bring the history and facts alive, inhabiting each character with posture and tone. The simple set transitions through scenes with the smooth movements of cast members calmly repositioning furniture. Altogether a well oiled machine.