I attended the performance Of Mice and Men at Leeds Playhouse on Thursday (11 May 2023). The first thing that captured my attention was the minimal use of props and scene sets.
Tom McCall commands the stage with his performance of George and he captivates the audience from the get go. He is assertive, pronunciated and gives the impression that he is the tortured soul in which he portrays.
The story is told well and all the actors are prominent in their roles, with massive credit going to William Young who plays a fantastic Lennie. The characters are true to the story and it’s like watching the pages of John Steinbeck’s novel come to life.
There are theatrical moments throughout the performance that have you on the edge of your seat waiting in anticipation, and the way it draws out your emotions as the story unfolds is commendable. The scene between Lennie and Curley’s wife is more heart wrenching and emotional than it is violent as told in the book, but it just adds to the brilliant ability the cast has to keep the audience captivated whilst delivering a fantastic performance.
I would recommend seeing this production to everyone.
Of Mice and Men runs at Leeds Playhouse Quarry Theatre until Saturday 27 May 2023. Full details at: leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/of-mice-and-men
This post was written by reader Kimberley Allendale in return for two free tickets, as part of South Leeds Goes To The Playhouse.
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