Glengarry Glen Ross

Not really know what to expect I stepped into the Bradford Playhouse to watch Bradford Players Production of Glengarry Glen Ross

Glengarry Glen Ross is a play by David Mamet that shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical, illegal acts—from lies and flattery to bribery, threats, intimidation and burglary—to sell real estate to unwitting prospective buyers. It is based on Mamet's experience having previously worked in a similar office.

The play reveals the very real anxiety and fear that lurked behind the alpha male salesman’s bravado, and revealed the great pressure to sell, sell, sell and emotional price the men paid, which in this case, was heading down a corrupt and criminal path.

A powerful, and excellently staged production by Ric Neild (Director) creating empathy whomever the character was that was centre stage at the time. The play portrayed a group of men each trying their best to capture that deal. The set veered between two distinct locations: a Chinese restaurant and a purposefully dreary office, a minimalistic set which played its part, but I did feel in Act Two a bit too minimalistic. The gifted cast brought the play to life under the direction of Ric Neild. Each actor portraying a well thought out and crafted characteristics that gave each and every one of them a unique style.

Graham Atkin was excellent as Ricky Roma, portraying a complete contrast to the previous pantomime roles he has usually played for Bradford Players. As was Bruce Sturrock playing the mumbling George Aaronow an aging salesman with low self-esteem who, lacking hope and confidence.

The plot full of surprises with its fast-paced dynamics between Atkin and Sturrock and the other members of the cast Paul Forsberg, Steph Hindle, Ben Byrne, Ben Cuningham and Lindsey Armet was fantastic to watch especially Act 2.

The majority of the cast I had seen on stage before but I have never seen them as a collective in what was clearly such demanding roles in terms of not just the performance but also the amount of preparation required for such roles. Hats off to each and every one.

Excellent stage management, lighting and sound were provided by Jon Dicken, Richard Barran and Niall Fleming.

There were no bad guys in this piece-just those desperate and EVEN more desperate to close the deal.

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