OF MICE AND MEN: Weinberger/ Steinbeck: Bham Rep till 24 Nov

Birmingham

OF MICE AND MEN: John Steinbeck (by arrangement with Josef Weinberger plays)
Birmingham Rep: Tkts 0121 236 4455
Runs: 2h 30m, till Saturday 24th November
Review: Rod Dungate, 6th November 2001

The story loses nothing in its translation to the stage and gains everything in this tough, unsentimental production by Jonathan Church
The magic of Steinbeck's novel is strong stuff indeed. It's the 1930s tale of itinerant farm worker, George, who cares for and cares about giant, mentally disabled, Lennie: it's about the tragedy that builds around them and about the strength and beauty of the human spirit which can be found in unlikely places. In Jonathan Church's production the story loses nothing in its translation to the stage and it gains everything.

From the first moment when Simon Higlett's atmospheric set opens up like a window that appears from nowhere and reveals the two main characters silhouetted against a brilliant orange sky the production grips and doesn't let go. Somehow there is an ever present sense of danger always lurking.

Matthew Kelly brings a welcome weight to Lennie. It is probable that the writing for this character is a bit sentimental for our modern tastes but Kelly works against it, avoiding at all costs this trap. Not surprisingly he is at his best in the scenes with George, he and George Costigan have a tangible rapport. Costigan brings a great energy and honesty to George: it is a very male performance and he drives the play along like an engine at full power. The final scene between Lennie and George is mesmerising because it is stripped of everything except what it is – a highly emotional scene expressed without emotion.

The casting of Julian Protheroe as Slim brings another surprising dimension to the production. Slim's first scene is a long duologue with George. The simple human goodness which Protheroe brings to the scene, the manner in which he enables George to tell his history with Lennie is like a bright searchlight focused on the play's heart Costigan and Protheroe produce something very special here and Protheroe's presence counts whenever he's on.

Cast:
George: George Costigan
Lennie: Matthew Kelly
Candy: David Sterne
The Boss: Martyn Read
Curley: John Flitcroft
Curley's Wife: Joanne Moseley
Slim: Julian Protheroe
Carlson: Neil Phillips
Whit: Tom Silburn
Crooks: Tyrone Huggins

Director: Jonathan Church
Designer: Simon Higlett
Lighting: Tim Mitchell
Composer: John Tams
Sound: Ian Roberts

2001-11-07 09:11:03