Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory which, after a spring run in Bristol, transferred to the Barbican Centre in London for a five-week run in the autumn. In May 2004 the company was reborn as a charity as it now continues, named Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory 2004 Limited. This new status allowed charitable donations and an element of subsidy to be sought. In subsequent years the company has produced many more Shakespeare plays, as well as Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" and "Uncle Vanya", and Molière's "The Misanthrope". Jonathan Miller was guest director for a 2008 production of "Hamlet". Polinina Kalinina joined the company as
Uncle Vanya Dostoevsky. In despair, he cries out to his mother, but instead of comforting her son, Maria insists that Vanya listen to the professor. Serebryakov insults Vanya, who storms out of the room. Yelena begs to be taken away from the country and Sonya pleads with her father on Vanya's behalf. Serebryakov exits to confront Vanya further. A shot is heard from offstage and Serebryakov returns, being chased by Vanya, who is wielding a loaded pistol. He fires the pistol again at the professor, but misses. He throws the gun down in disgust and sinks into a chair. As the final