A new stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel will be at Leeds Playhouse from 11 to 27 May.
In a co-production between the Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Fiery Angel. Tom McCall and William Young will play George and Lennie, with Iqbal Khan directing. Iqbal directed the opening ceremony at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Tom McCall: “Playing George in Of Mice and Men truly is a dream come true. I can’t wait to begin the journey of discovering this fascinating character with the director, Iqbal Khan, and the team.”
Wiliam Young: “I’m ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. I played him in Chapter, Cardiff in 2017 with August 012 Theatre Company. He reminds me of Roald Dahl‘s BFG. I was born with a rare brain condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which means I find it easy to get into Lennie’s mindset. I’m doing this for all the other people with learning disabilities who love to act but haven’t had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.
Cast members playing alongside Tom and William are: James Clyde as The Boss, Simon Darwen as Slim, Maddy Hill as Curley’s Wife, Edward Judge as Carlson, Reece Pantry as Crooks, Stuart Quigley as Whit, Lee Ravitz as Candy and Riad Ritchie as Curley.
Director Iqbal Khan: “I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck. I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”
The full creative team includes Set & Lighting Designer Ciarán Bagnall, Puppet Director, Designer & Maker Michael Crouch, Movement & Fight Director Yarit Dor, Casting Director Annelie Powell, Composer & Sound Designer Elizabeth Purnell, Production Manager Jenn Taillefer, Associate Director Caroline Wilkes and Costume Designer Kay Wilton.
Cover photograph: Tom McCall and William Young.
