Of Mice and Men

It seems like such a long time since I took my GCSE English Literature exam; it was only two years ago but I’ve been in love with John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel Of Mice and Men ever since. And ever since I first read it I’ve always wanted to see it on stage to see how the rich themes and symbols are presented in the form of live theatre. Luckily for me, the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds has created a mesmerising and engrossing adaptation of Steinbeck’s original novel.

In case you aren’t familiar, Of Mice and Men follows the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, in the Great Depression period in America. George is an intelligent yet uneducated man, while Lennie is physically strong but limited with his mental capabilities. The two stick together, and flee from the town of Weed in California after an incident with Lennie and a woman claiming rape after he didn’t let go of her dress. The novel follows the two as they wind up as ranch hands at a plantation in Soledad, and introduces the reader to a variety of characters that all represent an important symbol or help to reinforce a theme. George and Lennie share a dream that one day they will own their own plantation and enjoy their lives, without having to be tied down to anyone. This dream is, however, quashed by the harsh world they live in.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse’s adaptation, directed by Mark Rosenblatt, closely follows the original story of the novel. Accompanied by a haunting and evocative soundtrack by musician Heather Christian, who also plays Curley’s Wife, Steinbeck’s original novel is brought to life in an astonishing way. The descriptions of the harsh barrens of California from the novel seemed to materialise on stage in the most realistic way, and give you a cruel portrayal of the harsh climate these people lived in. The detail of the set is as equally astonishing. From the unforgiving sunlight slicing through the wooden planks of the barn to the unnervingly still water of the pond where George and Lennie vow to make their dream a reality, the Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre stage really is a feast for the eyes.

What made the stage adaptation of the novel so engrossing were the characters themselves. They are, of course, the ones who carry Steinbeck’s brilliant narrative, but this wouldn’t be possible were it not for the fantastic actors who brought them to life. George and Lennie, played by Henry Pettigrew and Dyfrig Morris respectively, were warm and charming, and really emphasised the importance of friendship, just like in the original novel. The characters, like the set, help to represent themes, with Curley’s Wife representing sexual desire as well as crushed dreams and ambitions. The company work incredibly well together as an ensemble, and the tightness and cohesiveness really draws the audience in. Even when not in a scene, the actors are dynamic and help bring the stage to life even more, adding more to the sense of a fast-moving and unforgiving world.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse’s adaptation is a gripping and evocative piece of theatre that truly draws its audience in, just like the original novel does. As poet Robert Burns said, ‘The best laid schemes of mice and men / Often go awry’ and I can assure you; this production certainly doesn’t go ‘awry’ in the slightest.

Of Mice and Men is playing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until 29 March. For more information and tickets, see the West Yorkshire Playhouse website.