REVIEW: The Glass Menagerie at The Everyman Theatre

During the last 15 years you may be surprised you to learn that the only in house productions at the Everyman Theatre have been the annual pantomime.

This year sees the start of a new era in the history of the theatre as The Glass Menagerie, directed by Paul Milton takes to the stage. Regarded as one of the most important plays of the 20th century this was the work that established Tennessee Williams as a major playwright.

The Glass Menagerie tells the story of the life of the Wingfield family in St. Louis in the 1930s depression from the memories of the son Tom. The story centres around the aspirations that the mother, Amanda Wingfield has for her 2 children after her husband leaves. Family values were the core of family life and Tom and his crippled sister Laura struggle to live up to the expectations of their mother. The painfully shy Laura must be receiving gentleman callers and Tom must do all he can to assist. 

The play was endearing with some lighthearted moments throughout. The set was simple and worked well with clever lighting to set different scenes. The performances from all four actors were excellent, but the lead role played by Julia Hill as the mother was outstanding.

The production team at the Everyman should be congratulated. This production was highly enjoyable and very well received by its audience. Let’s hope this is the first of many more productions to come.

The Glass Menagerie runs until Saturday 16 June 2012. Tickets are available online or via the box office.

Explore Gloucestershire
14 June 2012

• Contact phone : Box office: 01242 572573
• Also see : The Everyman Theatre

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