Of Mice and Men – Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Writer: John Steinbeck

Director: Sarah Brigham

Cards on the table. Like so many, my first experience of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, arguably his most acclaimed novella, came way back the 1990’s whilst studying for my G.C.S.E’s. This reviewer must confess that he hasn’t picked up a copy of the book since then but the text has long since stayed in the memory. So, when the Bolton Octagon theatre announced it as part of its Spring season, it provided the perfect opportunity to revisit this groundbreaking piece of work.

Staying faithful to the source material, we are transported back to a great depression ravaged America, as friends George (Liam King) and Lennie (William Young) go seek their fortune on a ranch in California. The pair make quite the team: George is small in stature, but big on ideas with an intellect to match. Whilst Lennie in comparison is a giant of man: physically strong, hard working, however intellectually not as sharp as George, what we would call today Neurodivergent.

George takes care of his friend, and tries to see him right, however Lennie’s caring nature coupled with his unbelievable strength has led to previous incidents forcing them to leave job after job, to avoid angry locals or worse the police. The pair head on over to another ranch for work, it is here that George gives Lennie a set of instructions in order to stay safe and stay out of trouble.

The ranch is home to a whole host of people, some who have their own troubles to deal with, whilst others are there to cause trouble. First we are introduced to The Boss (John Elkington), the superintendent of the ranch, running it for ‘a big land company’ who is already annoyed that George and Lennie have shown up a day late. His son Curley (Stefan Race), a bully of a man, who’s jealousy and mistrust in his wife manifests in his dislike and disdain for most of his co-workers, especially the new arrivals.

Next there is Candy (Benjamin Wilson) , a ranch hand, who believes his days there are numbered as a result of an accident that has left him blind in one eye. Also there is Slim (Laurence Pears), a well respected and well liked worker, that even Curley doesn’t mess around with.

Other workers include Crooks (Jeff Alexander) a black stable-hand, in constant pain due to a back injury, whose life is made worse by being ostracised from his fellow workers because of the colour of his skin. There is Whit (John Elkington tonight on double duty due to a cast illness), a young man, with more than a few good-time stories to tell. Making up the team is Carlson (Tom Fletcher) , another worker, who has taken a dislike to Candy’s old dog.

Finally there is Curley’s Wife (Emma Charlton), a mistreated, lonely woman who craves connection with others, Sadly she is looked upon with mistrust and contempt from the workers who fear the wrath of her husband for speaking with her.

As George and Lennie settle into life on the ranch, George reveals his plans to Candy about he and Lennie hoping to raise enough money to buy their own plot of land and become self-sufficient. Candy, worried for his future, desperately wants to be part of the plan. However, soon events which include a violent altercation with Curley and later a tragic accident threaten to shatter George and Lennie’s dream.

Sarah Brigham’s decision to not stray too far from the source material is something of a grim masterstroke. The themes of segregation and prejudice by way of skin colour, gender, economics and disability are sadly still as prevalent today as they were some nearly 90 years ago, which makes for a depressing yet essential viewing experience. Throughout you are hit by wave after wave of emotion, as Brigham’s confident, unflinching direction more than delivers, with each emotional suckerpunch. The action is allowed to breathe and doesn’t feel the need to rush to get to where it needs to be, which is refreshing and more than pays off.

She is of course helped by a tremendous ensemble cast. Front and centre is William Young as Lennie, its a performance filled with a childlike innocence and wonder, yet at times volatile. His performance is the linchpin to the entire production, and it’s his delivery that goes a long way to elicit the emotions you feel throughout .Young along with fellow actor Luke Richards both have a learning disability and will be sharing the role of Lennie throughout the run.

Liam King is equally impressive as the caring yet flawed George, ever present is his frustrations but always shining through more is his compassion for his pal. It’s fully rounded, complex portrayal which marries perfectly with Young. There are also standout turns from Benjamin Wilson, who himself is a visually impaired actor, Whilst Jeff Alexander brings a great deal of depth and nuisance to Crooks.

What this adaption does such a fantastic job on is the reimaging of the nameless character of Curley’s Wife, this is a far superior version under Brightman’s stewardship, superbly brought to life by Emma Charlton, her story is for my money the most tragic of them all.

The Octagon Theatre’s commitment to producing high quality productions with strong social and political commentary, coupled with the bold casting of actors with lived experiences pays off, for what is bleak but rewarding theatrical experience.

Of Mice and Men runs until 12th April