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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Of Mice And Men
Verdict: Dreams in The Depression
Of Mice and Men is a moving tale of an unlikely friendship between two ranch workers in 1930s America. George and his physically large but mentally small and childlike companion, Lennie, are working through the depression. They dream of their own plot of land where they can be their own boss, grow their own crops and - more importantly to Lennie - tend lots of rabbits.
Vicky Sweatman's simple set of straw bales and rustic bunk-beds is as reliable and sturdy-looking as the performances given by this cast of ten. The recent transfer from the Broadway Studio in Lewisham is well-deserved.
Ian Gofton gives a wide-eyed dignity and warmth to Lennie, which is complimented perfectly by David Horton's rounded portrayal of George. Robin Samson plays a well-paced and likeable Candy - an older, greyer, one-handed rancher whose only wish is that he won't be shot like his worn-out sheep-dog.
Dean Holley's portrayal of Curley, the ranch owner's son with a big small-man complex is particularly enjoyable. Curley's wife (Emma Barnett) is a very believable breath of female fresh air amongst all the chequered shirts, denim and testosterone that dominate the stage. All the cast handle the American language well.
Mike Bernardin's adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel is imaginative and energetic. The cast work well as an ensemble. In their hands the rustle of straw becomes the crackling of a fire; the rippling of a hand in a bucket of water shifts the action directly to the banks of a river. With mellow music straight from the era, Fer'vent Theatre engages attention, with lots of rural charm. Wider issues - self-control, friendship, loneliness and sacrifice - simmer gently beneath the surface of this steady, delightful production.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Emma Barnett - Curley's Wife. Jonathan Bidgood - Boss. Matthew Field - Slim. Ian Gofton - Lennie. Dean Holley - Curley. David Horton - George. James McNeill - Whit. Jason Ramsay - Crook. Robin Samson - Candy. Dave Weinberg - Carlson.
Company Credits: Writer (novel) - John Steinbeck. Director - Mike Bernardin. Assistant Director / Musical Supervisor - Jonathan Bidgood. Fight Director - Ruth Cooper-Brown. Designer - Vicky Sweatman. Stage Manager / Technician - Claire Elcombe. Producers - Martin Costello & Mike Bernardin.
END
(c) Hannah Dee 2006
reviewed February 06 / The Gatehouse
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
