Of Mice And Men

Directed with skill and innovation by Alison Baker, this play takes place in California in the depression of the 1930s. Two out of work farmhands, George and Lennie are travelling and looking for farm work. George ( Paul Read) is assertive and, although impatient with Lennie, is really his friend and guardian. Paul played this role with great confidence and was really the lynch pin of the play seeking his dream of owning a place for Lennie and himself. Given the amount of time he was on stage he appeared tp be word perfect so well done ! By contrast, Lennie ( Brandon Hill) , although big and strong, was not at all intelligent and had a very simple aim in life i.e. tending rabbits and stroking fur and other soft materials. Brandon had some very realistic actions, especially his infectious laugh and his shambling, ambling walk and the audience felt empathy and sympathy with him.

The pair eventually found work at the farm owned by The Boss ( Alan Wheeler). Alan played a strong, measured role, but was rather eclipsed by Curly, his son (Jonathan Abbott) who was aggressive with the farmhands and jealously possessive of his wife (Lea Friend). Lea was provocative and flirtatious with the men and encouraged Lennie to stroke her hair and dress but is then unwittingly killed by Lennie. Lea was really good in this role amd appeared to enjoy the part.

Candy ( Nigel Morton) was an ageing farmhand who had lost his hand in an accident and Nigel had a sensitive interpretation of this part. Candy was devoted to his dog but was persuaded by Carlson ( Lester Pearce) that the dog should be killed. Top marks to Alice, the dog, for playing herself !

The cast was completed by another farmhand, Slim ( Nigel Lister) and Whit ( Chris Martin), a very young ranch hand both of whom played strong roles and Crooks, a black stable hand. Crooks ( Raf Kabangu) played a rather predictable part of an outsider, somewhat isolated on the farm but became more prominent as the play progressed. He developed this role into an important aspect of the play.

Set design (Alison Baker) suggested a bank of the Salinas River, the bunkhouse, stable and barn at various times. The sets were minimal but completely conveyed the locations to the audience and were imaginatively designed and constructed by the team .Stage Manager (Jude Hussey) achieved smooth scene changes with most of the changes wheeled on and off by cast members, which, on a small stage worked well. Lighting design and operation ( Bruce Emeny and Tom Cross) was relevant and sound design and operation ( Andy Terry, Derek Butcher and Alfie Lucas) was maintained at a really good level with some Interesting sound effects !

Costumes (Yvonne Cobbold, Karen Baker and Jacqui Terry ) were well sourced and very appropriate, as were the hair styles (Lea Friend)

This play ran at good speed and all the cast maintained their strong American accents throughout. This was potentially a difficult play to stage but everything worked well.

Congratulations to Alison Baker and everyone involved in any way in this production. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Well done!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.