Shaw vs Chekhov

Aim

Support SHAW2020’s aim to bring the works of Shaw and his contemporaries to wider, more diverse audiences.

Help Us Keep Shaw Alive on Stage: Support SHAW2020’s New Creative Era!

After a sell-out run of Mrs. Warren’s Profession last year, SHAW2020 is back and ready to bring something bold to the stage. 

We’re excited to launch our Shaw Versus series. 

A collection of double-bills that pit a Shaw play against a piece from either one of his contemporaries, writers who influenced him, or playwrights he ultimately inspired.

We'll begin with Shaw vs Chekhov — a dynamic, fresh production of Chekov's The Proposal, paired with a revival of our award-winning production of Shaw's Village Wooing - winner of a London Pub Theatres 'Standing Ovation' award in, plus 'Best Performance'[Maryann O'Brien] and 'Best Show' at The Birmingham Fringe Festival, and a finalist for an OffFest award at the OFFIES.

Village Wooing (Shaw): A fast-paced, witty exploration of love, class, and power dynamics that remains as relevant and sharp today as it was when it premiered in 1933.

The Proposal (Chekhov): A hilarious comedy of manners and misunderstandings, where Chekhov’s blend of wit and warmth shines through the absurdities of love and marriage.

Both short plays dive in to the funny and often ridiculous side of love and marriage. In Shaw's Village Wooing, we see how power dynamics and class shape a relationship. Chekhov’s The Proposal, on the other hand, is a hilarious look at how misunderstandings and societal expectations can turn romance into a farce. Shaw, influenced by Chekhov's clever character-building and dry humour, uses a similar mix of wit and social commentary to explore the messiness of relationships. Chekhov's style of blending comedy with deeper insights into human nature definitely left its mark on Shaw’s writing.

A New Era for SHAW2020

In 2026, SHAW2020 will transition into a not-for-profit organisation, ensuring we can continue pushing boundaries and making classics more accessible. Our work is about keeping the classics alive while also creating room for new, modern adaptations — we firmly believe there’s a place for both in today’s theatre scene.

Our long term aim is unchanged. Over time, we plan to produce Shaw’s vast body of work for the stage and screen, both traditional full texts and modern reimagining's. 

Why We Need Your Support

As a small independent theatre company, we need the help of our wonderful supporters and audience to continue our mission. With your support, we can launch our Shaw Versus series in 2025, and continue to bring Shaw’s iconic works to new, diverse audiences in 2026 and beyond. As a collective of theatre professionals and Shavians, SHAW2020 have several projects in the pipeline; A bold adaptation of Shaw’s Candida, a revised Pygmalion that challenges convention, a new film script adaptation (this one’s top-secret) and a second season of our online series Talking Shaw.

Your Impact

A pledge from you will help us:

• Cover Some Production Costs: From rehearsals to costumes, sets, and incredible actors, every penny helps bring a production to life.
• Expand Our Reach: Through marketing and outreach, we’ll ensure these works inspire a wider, more diverse audience.
• Build a Sustainable Future: Your support will help us thrive in our new not-for-profit era, bringing the works of Shaw and others to new audiences and generations.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us create theatre that challenges, entertains, and inspires. By backing SHAW2020, you’re not just supporting a production — you’re helping to shape the future of a creative and inclusive theatre company.

Join the SHAW2020 Legacy. Be part of the adventure of making theatre.

Thank you for your incredible support.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made