Ep 3. The Dangers of Tobacco & The Proposal

The Chekhov Comedy Shorts season 1 episode 3 features two of Anton Chekhov's most famous short plays, "The Dangers of Tobacco" and "The Proposal."

"The Dangers of Tobacco" starts with a Professor, played by Ben Miles, delivering a lecture on the dangers of tobacco in a small town. In a comedic turn of events, the Professor proves to be a hypocrite as he confesses to secretly smoking despite his warnings to the audience. The play satirizes the prevalence of smoking in Chekhov's time and warns against hypocrisy in general. The humorous exchanges between the Professor and the audience make for a delightful comedy with a strong underlying message.

"The Proposal" follows the story of a hypochondriac landowner named Lomov, played by Anthony Head, who visits his neighbor's estate to propose to his daughter, Natalya, played by Doon Mackichan. The play is set in the Russian countryside and centers on the social conventions of the time. Lomov is often interrupted and belittled by Natalya, causing him to be more anxious and miserable. The verbal sparring between Lomov and Natalya keeps the audience engaged throughout the play, and the unexpected ending delivers a hilarious punchline.

The episode is directed by Damon Thomas and the cast delivers excellent performances. The sets and costumes transport the audience back in time to Chekhov's Russia, and the production design adds a unique flavor to the show. The episode presents an excellent introduction to Chekhov's humor and serves as a fantastic starting point for those new to his works.

Overall, Chekhov Comedy Shorts season 1 episode 3, "The Dangers of Tobacco & The Proposal", is a fantastic display of Anton Chekhov's wit and humor. The two short plays are executed perfectly by the talented cast, and the sets and costumes are visually pleasing. The episode is perfect for those who enjoy comedic plays and provides an insightful glimpse into Chekhov's time.