Downton Abbey's Laura Carmichael Joins West End Uncle Vanya, Starring Anna Friel & Ken Stott

Downton Abbey's Laura Carmichael will join previously announced stars Ken Stott, Anna Friel and Samuel West in the West End revival of Anton Chekhov’s classic play Uncle Vanya. Directed by Lindsay Posner and adapted by Christopher Hampton, the production begins performances October 25 at the Vaudevill Theatre. Opening night is set for November 2.

Carmichael will star as Sonya, alongside Stott as Vanya, Friel as Yelena and West as Astrov. On a dilapidated, remote farm Uncle Vanya (Stott) and his niece Sonya (Carmichael) have worked slavishly for years to sustain an estate in decline. Now Professor Serebryakov and his wife Yelena (Friel) have returned to visit, bringing with them chaos and disruption. Constant visits from the charismatic Astrov (West) are not helpful. From this hotbed of disarray grow three consuming love affairs, each of which is destined to wither in disappointment before it has reached bloom. It is in this climate of frustration and thwarted hopes that the Professor chooses to announce a shocking plan.

Carmichael is best known for playing Edith Crawley on TV’s Downton Abbey. Her London stage credits include Plenty, The London Cuckolds, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, The Vicar of Wakefield and As You Like It. Her additional film and TV credits include The Heart of Thomas Hardy, House at the End of Our Street and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.