The hard-hitting, American classic Of Mice and Men has as much impact today as when John Steinbeck wrote it in 1937, as audiences at Theatre by the Lake are experiencing, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.
With the backdrop of the great depression, this tragedy hasn’t lost its power, tackling issues of sexism, racism and pushing the boundaries of what you would do for friendship.
George and Lennie are moving from ranch to ranch, taking on any work they can – an unusual duo with smart George protecting his childhood friend Lennie, a loving giant with a child-like mind. Lennie’s uncontrollable strength means he kills everything he loves, carrying around the dead mice he as lovingly hugged to death in his large hands.
Liam King and William Young beautifully capture the friendship between George and Lennie. The frustration is clear in King’s performance as George, trying to protect himself and Lennie. There is an inevitability about what will happen, yet King and Young’s strong performance still holds dear to the hope of better things. Young’s portrayal of Lennie is moving. You can’t help but feel for the innocent who causes tragedy around him.
When the two friends arrive at their new ranch, leaving behind a trail of troubles behind them, the son of the owner of the outpost, Curly, is the catalyst for the tragic events that unfold. Stefan Race terrifyingly projects the evil, controlling Curley – he has the audience on a knife-edge, waiting to see what he will do next to goad Lennie.
Curly’s lonely wife, played by Emma Charlton, is given a more rounded character than you may remember from the films of this novella. Rather than a flirty woman, trying to tempt the men on the ranch, Charlton shows a very isolated and emotionally abused woman, seeking someone to talk to.
The only woman on the ranch, it was interesting in the opening scene to see another woman dressed in red, who never appears in the cast list – is she the woman Lennie and George are running away from? This was a question that haunted me, like the red-dressed woman in Lennie’s past haunted him.
Curly’s wife, who isn’t given a name, is isolated in her house. Crooks, the only man of colour on the ranch, is also segregated in his own bunk house. George and Lennie feel unwelcome. The room given to Crooks is the location which provides the scene where all the disenfranchised come together and dream of a better future.
Jeff Alexander as Crooks, the labourer injured on the ranch, is powerful. Though he is physically weak, his hopes are ignited and blaze strong. Candy, played by Ben Wilson, has been blinded on the ranch, and he is kept on to do the jobs he is capable of, and roams the bunk house with his old dog. His pet is the metaphor for what happens when a creature (animal or human, mice or men) is no longer of use, or cannot be helped any further. Wilson’s love of his dog and reaction to the inevitable is heartbreaking – never over played.
This is a very strong cast and production that presents this American period piece in its original style with messages as strong and difficult to face as ever. I classic in every sense.
A joint production with Derby Theatre, Octagon Bolton, and Hull Truck Theatre, director Sarah Brigham has brought out more depth in the characters, which has great meaning for the world we live in today.
- Of Mice and Men runs until Saturday, May 3 at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. For more information and to book tickets visit https://www.theatrebythelake.com
