Of Mice And Men at Derby Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Gemma F

John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ is described as ‘a seminal piece of work’ by director Sarah Brigham and as ‘such a perfect book’ by author Nick Hornby, so this production of the story has much to live up to….and it does not disappoint.

With the play currently taking to the stage at Derby Theatre, this modern and conveniently located building in the city centre offers nearby parking, a spacious bar area and a cafe within the theatre. The venue is both welcoming and well appointed. We visited on a Tuesday evening and it was just the right side of busy with an electric buzz of mid-week anticipation as the audience filled the theatre eagerly awaiting the performance of this well loved book.

With the back drop of a simple but very effective set, this play comes to life with the presence of George (played by Liam King) and Lennie (played by Wiliam Young). It follows the story of their hope for a better life. Their deep yearning for an end to their hardship which finds them displaced and travelling from job to job with little but what they carry on their backs. It is a tale of brotherhood, love and friendship.

As Derby Theatre say ‘Lennie and George are unlikely best friends, two drifters bound together by a shared faith and the ambition to live the great American dream. Landing a job on a Californian ranch during the Great Depression, their hopes of earning money to eventually buy a place of their own are raised, and then wholly shattered in a heart-breaking conclusion’.

The story ‘Of Mice and Men’ is a masterpiece of complex themes including racism, ableism, misogyny and masculinity. The responsibility for a cast and director to execute these difficult themes responsibly is enormous and this production team and cast have done John Steinbeck’s great work proud. With morally challenging scenes, the actors had the audience captivated by the sheer beauty and power of their delivery. There was beauty not in just their spoken word on stage but also in what they didn’t say.  The powerful silences and pauses within scenes, which made the audience feel as uncomfortable as the scene intended and gathered us into the story so that we were each transfixed. We held a long and baited breath waiting for Candy’s gunshot. I have rarely felt so much a part of a play as I did during this production.

My enjoyment of this play was greatly influenced by the absolute talent that is Wiliam Young. I have reviewed numerous plays and I can honestly say he is among the best I have seen on stage. His skill, timing and delivery is first class, as his final scene ended and he took a bow there were tears from the audience. Wiliam you are a triumph! Bravo! Special mention also goes to Liam King, an actor who processes a presence so captivating you simply cannot take your eyes off him. Talented, strong, convincing and just pure acting class. He is one to watch for sure.

What makes this particular production of ‘Of Mice and Men’ really something special is the casting. The parts of Lennie, Candy and Crooks are played by actors with lived experience of their characters’ challenges. Thank you to Wiliam Young, Benjamin Wilson and Jeff Alexander who are uniquely placed to take this play to a whole new level of excellent. It was just beautiful to watch each of you.

Whether you’ve read the book, are studying it for exams or you just want to see a play full of heart, THIS is the production for you. It delivers this well known story so powerfully that I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and impactful evening of theatre…one that stays with you long after the final bows have been taken.

*Please note – the role of Lennie will be played by Wiliam Young and at certain performances by Luke Richards. Wiliam will perform the role on all dates except on (Sat 8, Thu 13, Sat 15, Thu 20, Sat 22, Thu 27 Feb & Sat 1 Mar) – when these will be performed by Luke Richards.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £25.00
Age guidance: 13+
Of Mice And Men is at Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF from 6th February-1st March 2025
Box Office: 01332 593939
DerbyTheatreTickets@derby.ac.uk    derbytheatre.co.uk