This bold new production directed by Iqbal Khan brings a new life and understanding to the tale of George and Lennie Two itinerant workers in America who spend their lives travelling from ranch to ranch to seek work and achieve the American Dream; but for these two it will always sit a little out of reach.
Tom McCall as George and Wiliam Young as Lennie | Photo © Mark Senior
George cares for Lennie, a bear of a man with learning disabilities. Without Lennie, he could do much but he made a promise that he will look after him to the very end.
Lennie, played by Wiliam Young, resonates strongly within the piece. This is a fine central performance alongside Tom McCall as George.
McCall captures the despair and frustration of George’s caring duties whilst knowing that without him his life would be so much easier. There is a gentleness and depth to their relationship that engages from the outset and holds the story with great effect.
The barren, wooden slatted design by Ciaran Bagnall is as dusty and sparse as the lives the workers lead.
Bunk beds neatly pop up and the world is empty and yet enough for all to survive. Bagnall also creates a hugely atmospheric lighting design which brings some memorable images, especially during the worker’s songs.
There is much to like in the production and due to its age, it is about misogyny, racism and the treatment of outsiders.
Curley’s wife, who is never referred to by her name played by Maddy Hill is a tragic, fragile figure looking for fame and an escape from her loveless marriage. Crooks (Reece Pantry) is excluded due to his colour and lives away from the others. There is little mercy for either of them.
The entire cast is finely drawn with much multi role playing, Elizabeth Purnell’s music is effective and creates some fine moments in the piece.
Of Mice and Men is eternally popular in schools and no doubt this tour is a vital opportunity for students to get to see quality theatre.
This production is enhanced by the casting of some fine actors who live with disability. The authenticity is powerful, the isolation of the characters evermore salient and the crushing difficulties they face in their daily conversations much more apparent.
This is a strong production with a compelling set of values and is a welcome approach to this older text.
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Reviewer: Petra Rose Alexander
