Dear Uncle: A Timeline
The Timeline offers a chronological view of significant events in the history of the play Dear Uncle.October 2008
In the immediate aftermath of The Norman Conquests opening at the Old Vic, London, Alan Ayckbourn is asked by the producer David Pugh if he will consider adapting Chekhov's Uncle Vanya.
29 January 2009
The Daily Mail reports the actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is considering appearing in a 2010 West End production of Uncle Vanya, to be adapted by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Ralph Fiennes, Ken Stott and Carey Mulligan.
5 February 2009
In an interview with Michael Coveney at whatsonstage.com, Alan Ayckbourn confirms he is adapting Uncle Vanya.
May 2009
Alan Ayckbourn completes the first draft of his Uncle Vanya adaptation.
26 February 2010
The Daily Mail reports Ralph Fiennes is to star in a 2011 West End production of Uncle Vanya, to be adapted by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Ralph Fiennes, Ken Stott, Carey Mulligan and Kristin Scott-Thomas. The adaptation is named for the first time as Dear Uncle: Scenes From A Country Life In Four Acts.
26 February 2010
Later that day, Variety publishes an article about the adaptation quoting the producer David Pugh as saying the play will not open in a traditional West End space and he hopes it will be produced in the round.
Mid-2010
With no prospect of the play being produced in the West End before summer 2011, Alan is offered the chance to produce the play himself. The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, agrees to stage the play in repertory with the world premiere of Alan's 75th play.
12 July 2011
Dear Uncle, directed by Alan Ayckbourn, premieres at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.
1 August 2019
Dear Uncle has its first revival at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick; appropriate given the original play's transposition to the Lake District.
Article by Simon Murgatroyd. Copyright: Haydonning Ltd. Please do not reproduce without permission of the copyright holder.