Shaw vs Chekov
A Double Bill of VILLAGE WOOING by Bernard Shaw & THE PROPOSAL by Anton Chekhov
This production features a double bill of Bernard Shaw's "Village Wooing" and Anton Chekhov's "The Proposal," both exploring the absurdities of love and marriage.
6-23 August 2025
Shaw vs. Chekhov: A Double Bill
VILLAGE WOOING by Bernard Shaw & THE PROPOSAL by Anton Chekhov
SHAW2020 is back with an exciting production featuring two short plays that explore the humorous and absurd side of love and marriage. In this pairing, audiences will enjoy the anti-romantic comedy Village Wooing, alongside the hilarious The Proposal. Each play takes a distinct look at relationships, showcasing witty dialogue and social commentary that shine through the playwrights’ unique styles.
Village Wooing: A Comedietta for Two Voices – is an anti-romantic battle of the sexes comedy by Bernard Shaw. A charming two-hander in which the characters, simply named ‘A’ and ‘Z’, play a relentless game of cat and mouse across land and sea.
The Proposal - A hilarious comedy of manners and misunderstandings, where Chekhov’s blend of wit and warmth shines through the absurdities of love and marriage.
Both plays dive into the funny and often ridiculous side of love and marriage. In Shaw's Village Wooing, power dynamics and class shape a relationship. Chekhov’s The Proposal, on the other hand, portrays how misunderstandings and societal expectations can turn romance into a farce. Shaw, influenced by Chekhov's clever character-building and dry humor, uses a similar mix of wit and social commentary to explore the messiness of human relationships. Chekhov's style has definitely left its mark on Shaw’s writing.
It’s wonderful to see Shaw’s plays being kept alive, and to such a high standard by SHAW2020. Long may they continue.
Dame Judi Dench
Award-winning theatre company SHAW2020 explores the theatre and writings of Bernard Shaw, aiming to bring his works to a wider, more diverse audience. Both plays will be directed by SHAW2020 Artistic Director Jonas Cemm FRSA, and will star Joe Sargent, Maryann O’Brien, and Anthony Wise.
Practical info
Ticket Prices: £24.50 General Admissions / £21.50 Concessions
Seating: Please note row H, the back row, is high bench seating. The auditorium has steps up the centre aisle, so book at the front for anyone who may have difficulty with steps or heights.
Running Time: tbc
Latecomers: Latecomers will not be admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions: Please see here.