Of Mice and Men: Darlington Civic Theatre

JOHN Steinbeck’s harrowing novel of the Great Depression of the 1930s, in America, was initially poorly received, and the author declined to attend the opening night of George F Kaufmann’s stage play in 1937. Now, of course, it is one of the most significant works of the 20th Century, much studied in schools and as relevant in its characters as it was when it was first written.

George and Lennie have travelled together from place to place, stopping wherever they can find work and working towards a dream: a small ranch of their own where they will raise chickens and rabbits, maybe even a cow, and live off the fat of the land. Lennie is big and strong, a tireless worker, and has the mind of a child. George guides and protects him, complaining all the while in a good-humoured way.

They arrive at a ranch where the boss’ son, a vicious little bully named Curley, is newly-married to a bored, thoughtless beauty who makes trouble for the ranch hands by hanging around the bunkhouse, incurring Curley’s wrath. It’s an explosive situation and when the girl has an encounter with Lennie his failure to grasp the boundaries of adult behaviour ends in tragedy. There’s only one way out for poor Lennie, and it’s up to George to give it to him.

Stunning performances from the whole company, particularly the two principles, William Rodell as George and Kristian Phillips as Lennie, and also Ben Stott as Curley. An absorbing play which totally engages its audience.

Runs until Saturday. Box Office: 01325-486555 or darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Sue Heath