Tracy Ann Oberman attacked for taking too much credit for play

Actress Tracy Ann Oberman (pictured) has been rounded on by the playwright Diane Samuels for claiming all the credit for their collaborative reworking of Chekhov’s Three Sisters. Both women are named as co-writers on the play, which was re-named 3 Sisters on Hope Street, and set in Liverpool just after World War Two. It received rave reviews when it was staged at the Hampstead Theatre in February.

Now, following an appearance by Oberman on BBC Radio 4's Midweek show, Samuels says the actress never mentions her name when talking about the work. "Tracy's done television and newspapers and I’ve just stood back and let it happen,” says Samuels in the Jewish Chronicle. "I'm the primary author of the piece... she didn't write a word of the first draft.” Oberman, best known for her role as Dirty Den’s wife in the BBC soap EastEnders, has taken legal advice.

In a written statement, she says: "3 Sisters on Hope Street is a co-written piece and any misunderstanding would be unfortunate and not intended by any parties involved on Midweek."