by Steve Schifferes BBC News Online

It was luvvies night at the Donmar in London.

The small foyer was crowded with stars as Hollywood film director Sam Mendes launched his last series of plays at the small theatre where he has made his name.

And he did not disappoint them, producing a spectacular version of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, played (as it should be) as a black comedy and paired in repertoire with Twelfth Night.

Simon Russell Beale played Vanya as a bumbling fool, just as he played Hamlet a few years back in a famous production at the National.

He was in turn witty, ingratiating, grovelling and then just plain drunk as he tried unsuccessfully to win the affections of the beautiful Yelena, the young wife of his ageing - and sponging - brother-in-law, Professor Serebryakov.

Affections

Emily Watson starred as his niece Sonya, the daughter of the professor who has worked selflessly on their rural estate to support him - but has a crush on Dr Astrov, the local reformer.

Both are due to be disappointed in love, for Dr Astov fancies Yelena - and it soon becomes clear that she returns his affections.

Stealing the show is Helen McCrory as Yelena, the femme fatale who is the cause of all the trouble on the estate that summer.

Her every gesture oozes sexuality, from the moment she first enters the stage, takes a cup of tea, and sways her hips as she walks off without saying a word.

Also outstanding is Mark Strong as Astrov, the disillusioned doctor. Modelled on Chekhov himself, and first played by the great Stanislavski himself in the original production, the doctor holds the play together with his running comments and dry humour.

Farce

The love scene between Astrov and Yelena, which ends the first act, is beautifully played, as one in full knowledge of his folly confronts someone full of self-delusion.

Ever better is the second act, where Vanya finally goes mad and tries to kill the Professor who has been tormenting him for 25 years.

Again Mendes succeeds in lightening the mood, playing the scene as farce rather than tragedy.

The simple set by Anthony Ward keeps the attention on the actors and suits the Donmar's small and sparse interior.

And the new translation by Brian Friel gives space for the comic possibilities to be realised.

Tender age

Sam Mendes has had a distinguished career at the Donmar, with such hits as The Blue Room (starring Nicole Kidman) and the Glass Menagerie.

It is no surprise he ends his theatre career on Chekhov. His first West End production, at the tender age of 24, was Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, which directly led to him becoming head of the Donmar.

He will be sorely missed.

Uncle Vanya plays at the Donmar Theatre in London in repertory with Twelfth Night until 30 November.