John Steinbeck’s classic drama Of Mice and Men – at Leeds Playhouse 11 – 27 May.
The Quarry Theatre will be transformed into the dusty, sun-parched landscape of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in a new co-production by Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Fiery Angel and a tale whichunflinchingly explores economic migration, racism, prejudice and exclusion.
Director Iqbal Khan, Associate Director at Birmingham Rep and Artistic Director of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony:“Of Mice and Men is, at its heart, a parable of the outcast, the underdog, the marginalised and the broken. It tells a story of the Great American Depression of the 1930s, when the world was cast in darkness and uncertainty, when people were lost and the American dream of community seemed shattered. Steinbeck was unafraid to show the cruelty and desperation in the lived experience. I was particularly fascinated by the fact that the story wasn’t told through the lens of those who make or shape the world, but by those who suffer the consequences of those actions.“
Tom McCall plays George alongside Wiliam Young as Lennie. The cast is completed by Jake Benson as Puppeteer/Understudy, 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 Richie as Curley.
Wiliam Young was born with a rare brain condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which helps him to relate to his character and get into Lennie’s mindset: ‘”I’m doing this for all the other people with learning difficulties/disabilities who love to act but haven’t had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.’“
The diverse cast is just one of the positive attributes that sets this production apart from previous versions of the Steinbeck classic.Khan continues: We’ve assembled an extraordinary, inclusive company of actors that embrace the lived experience of these characters. They understand profoundly how their visible otherness has excluded them from opportunity and that brings a depth and vulnerability to the production that is difficult to put into words. It is a privilege to discover the great truths of this timeless and enduring piece with them.”
Of Mice and Men follows George and Lennie as they dream of a better life – a place where they belong – during the Great Depression. When the friends take a job on Curly’s farm, tragedy unfolds, leading to a heart-breaking decision.
The full creative team includes Set & Lighting Designer Ciarán Bagnall; Puppet Director, Designer & Maker Michael Crouch; Movement & Fight Director Yarit Dor; Voice & Dialect Coach Ellen Hartley; Casting Director Annelie Powell; Composer & Sound Designer Elizabeth Purnell; Production Manager Jennifer Taillefer; Associate Director Caroline Wilkes; and Costume Designer Kay Wilton.
Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Rep & Fiery Angel co-production.
Presented in arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd
Written by John Steinbeck
Directed by Iqbal Khan
Quarry Theatre, Leeds Playhouse 11-27 May
Box office: 0113 213 7700
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Unless otherwise credited, all photography is by Kris Askey. Cover photograph, left to right: Reece Pantry (Crooks), Maddy Hill (Curley’s Wife), Tom McCall (George), William Young (Lennie), Riad Richie (Curley) and Lee Ravitz (Candy).
