A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

An iconic play, that mirrors the times and attitudes in which it is set.  So many of the moral codes are alien to us today, but serve to remind us of how lucky we are that things have progressed!

The set gave us the feel of a slightly seedy apartment in New Orleans, and mostly it seemed to work well with the two rooms being divided by the curtain, the window was well-perceived, the setting of it into the flat seemed a little clumsy but accentuated it, I liked the advertising seen through it, adding dimension to the set.  Props were good.  The plaintive saxophone music enhanced the atmosphere, which added to the overall feel of the production.

I liked the costuming, it suited the actors and the times.

Lighting was I think best described as moody, I think it was difficult to light both sides of the stage, and there was one section where Blanche seemed to be in the wrong place as her face was very shadowed, but detail was good.

The leads were extremely invested in their characters.  Victoria Wells as Blanche Dubois gave a superlative performance, so much angst and unravelling, her attitude to her sister was typical of the time, and Victoria certainly gave her all in characterisation and expression.  Mitch – played by Josh Thompson the night I was there, matched Blanche in her neediness for affection, but then found he couldn’t cope with Blanche’s wildness where men were concerned – nicely done.

Emma Loveday was so good as Stella, Blanche’s sister, such a telling portrayal of the downtrodden abused wife, but one who was besotted with her husband and forgave him everything for the relationship they shared.  Emma was matched by Sam Rowland as Stanley, a macho man, who delighted in bringing Stella down, but also bringing her up again, and making sure he knew the problems Blanche had which brought her to visit.  A superb pair.

A nice touch was the dance showing Blanche in her youth, a product of her dreams, very calm and ethereal, a nice touch, danced by James Williams, Harrison Williams, Imogen Blower and Lauren Blower.

Emma Van Nieuwenburgh and Paul Blackwell as Eunice and Steve created a good couple, with Jordan Hiepner and Johanna White completing the cast.

I must admit I found the first act a little long, but it is a play with so many words, and very few breaks!

All in all an engrossing production, with some outstanding performances.

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