MARIA DUARTE recommends a remarkable study of the friendship between a Palestinian and a Pakistani, broken by a hostile state
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Bindlestiffs
SIMON PARSONS applauds an excellent production of Steinbeck’s Depression-era classic that sadly seems as relevant as ever
RESONANT: Simon Darwen as Slim and Tom McCall as George
[Mark Senior]
MATTHEW HAWKINS rakes through un-fancy words and flair-free summaries to find who and what might be flamboyant
PETER MASON is exhilarated by an exciting, well-considered and historically minded tribute to the great Trinidadian instrument
Reducing historical lives to ‘male’ and ‘female’ roles, we lose the nuance of those lives and a clearer understanding of past societies, suggests CLAIRE ISABELLA GILMOUR
CHRIS SEARLE relishes the genius of pianist Alexander Hawkins, his many ensembles, and his new album
Of Mice And Men
Birmingham Rep
STEINBECK’S 1937 novella, set during the 1930s Great Depression, has been brought to life by Birmingham Rep. The central pivotal relationship between savvy George and his childlike companion Lennie is explored with passion and sensitivity, but they are not the only outsiders failed by the American Dream in this excellent production.
Tom McCall’s George is a shrewd, migrant labourer just managing to stay afloat by drifting from farm to farm with his trusting friend. The two partners are vital to each other’s hopes. His outbursts of anger at Lennie’s inability to avoid trouble and grasp the realities of their life are diffused by a mantra-like vision of their shared future and tender physical moments that placate his distressed companion.
William Young’s own complex learning issues inform much of his moving portrayal of Lennie. This is no sentimentalised characterisation but a warm, gentle giant whose strength and confusion leads to his downfall.
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SIMON PARSONS applauds the timely revival of a play about solidarity and betrayal within Britain’s Pakistani community
GORDON PARSONS appreciates fine performances and a feel for ambiguity, but misses the music of the dialogue
GEORGE FOGARTY is dazzled by a breathtakingly skillful puppet version of Shakespeare’s greatest love poem
PETER MASON is gripped by a novel that confronts corporate callousness with those prepared to act to bring about change