Having studied this classic Steinbeck book last year as part of my GCSE studies, I was keen to see this stage adaptation by Selladoor at the start of its UK tour. The staging was suitably stark and transformed easily from riverbank to bunkhouse and I particularly liked the scene in Crooks’ room as Lenny and the other’s invited themselves in. Matthew Wynn as the simple Lenny was gentle and powerful at the same time, whilst his companion, George (Richard Keightley) guided him and kept their shared dream of owning their own farm alive. All the actors portrayed their characters well, each expressing the loneliness of their situations and their aspirations.
This stage production is very true to the original book and there is some excellent staging, such as Candy’s very old, smelly dog as a frail looking puppet. The music and sound effects added to the production and helped bring this classic tale to life. I would recommend anyone who is, or has, studied this to see this production.
Review by Leo Hopley, Yr 11, NKS