‘…such a powerful, iconic story!’
What a thought provoking way to start this year’s productions in Keswick! Few things in life are more moving than watching a live performance of such a powerful, iconic story.
Of Mice and Men is a short novella written by John Steinbeck in 1937, set in western America in the Great Depression. It deals with themes of friendship, aspiration, racism, misogyny and loneliness, themes that are just as relatable and relevant in today’s society. This production is directed by Sarah Brigham and produced by Mike Redley and it is unique in its choice of actors.
The minimalist set, lighting and props which, along with the music, manages to evoke the heat and oppression of the time and brings the stage alive.
The story revolves around Lenny and George, long-term, best friends and farm hands looking for work. They have a dream to own their own farm but need to save some money and secure a job in California. Lenny, played by Will Young, is a vulnerable man with learning challenges; he is a big guy who doesn’t realise his own strength. His naiveté often gets him into trouble. Will, who trains at the Hijinx Academy, in North Wales, for learning disabled and autistic actors plays his role with great sensitivity and humility. George looks after Lenny and cares for him deeply but he vents his anger and frustrations at Lenny when things go wrong. George is played by Liam King who captures the conflicts of emotions brilliantly. Lenny and George struggle to fit into the new farm and there are several difficult interactions with other workers.
A scene that is particularly poignant is between Lenny and Crooks, excellently played by Jeff Alexander.
As the only black worker Crooks is segregated from the others when he’s not working and he tells Lenny about his loneliness. Another moving scene is when Lenny and George tell Candy, another worker, about their dreams. Candy who was blinded in an accident on the farm has some compensation money so is desperate to contribute to the plan. Adding authenticity, he is brilliantly played by Ben Wilson who happens to be blind. One evening when Lenny is on his own he reluctantly gets drawn into a conversation with Curly’s wife. His reticence being due to the fact Curly is the boss’s son and a bully to all the workers. This meeting does not end well.
To end on a lighter note, there is some humour in the play but if you have not read the book and do not know the ending it is worth being warned ‘Of Mice and Men’ has a brutal, tragic ending. You will know what is going to happen but it could shock and upset you as to how it happens.
This is a play of hope and despair which will tug at your emotions.
Of Mice and Men is a joint production between Theatre by the Lake, Derby Theatre, Octagon Bolton and Hull Truck Theatre and it is showing at Theatre by the Lake from Wednesday 16 April to Saturday 3 May
