REVIEW - OF MICE AND MEN | OCTAGON THEATRE BOLTON | 27/03/2025

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a literary classic that has captivated readers for generations with its poignant exploration of friendship, isolation, prejudice, and the fragility of dreams. Adapted for the stage by Steinbeck himself, the story follows itinerant workers George and Lennie as they navigate the harsh realities of 1930s America in search of stability and belonging.

This latest adaptation, co-produced by the Octagon Theatre Bolton, Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, and Theatre by the Lake, offers a fresh perspective by casting actors with lived experiences that mirror those of the characters. Under the direction of Sarah Brigham, the production breathes new life into the text, delivering a powerful and deeply moving interpretation of this enduring tale.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men follows two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, as they travel through California in search of a better life. George is intelligent and resourceful, while Lennie, a man with a learning disability and immense physical strength, is kind-hearted but often unaware of his own power. The two share a dream of owning their own piece of land—a place where they can live freely and Lennie can tend to his beloved rabbits.

Their hopes are tested when they find work on a new ranch, where they encounter a cast of characters, each struggling with their own hardships. The ageing Candy clings to the last shreds of hope, Crooks faces relentless isolation as a Black man in a prejudiced society, and Curley’s Wife is trapped in a life of loneliness and unfulfilled ambition. As tensions rise and conflicts emerge, Lennie’s inability to control his strength sets off a tragic chain of events, forcing George to make an unimaginable decision

Jess Curtis’s set design successfully evokes the vast yet claustrophobic world of the Great Depression-era ranch. The rustic, weathered wooden structures and sparse furnishings transport the audience to a time of economic struggle and hardship. Simeon Miller’s lighting design creates a stark contrast between the harsh daylight of the working environment and the quiet, intimate moments between George and Lennie. Ivan Stott’s sound design and composition subtly enhance the tension, making the inevitable climax all the more powerful. The period-accurate costumes complete the immersion, reinforcing the social divides and struggles of the characters.

One of the production’s most compelling aspects is its casting. William Young and Luke Richards alternate the role of Lennie, with Young performing on press night. His portrayal is both tender and devastating, capturing Lennie’s innocence and confusion with authenticity. Liam King delivers a standout performance as George, balancing frustration, protectiveness, and quiet despair.

Jeff Alexander’s Crooks is poignant, conveying the pain of exclusion with subtlety and depth, while Benjamin Wilson brings warmth and heart to Candy. Stefan Race is suitably menacing as Curley, and Emma Charlton adds complexity to Curley’s Wife, a character often dismissed in adaptations.

Due to cast illness on press night, the role of Whit, usually played by Afton Moran, was taken on by John Elkington, who performed script in hand while also playing his usual role as the Boss. His ability to switch between the two roles was remarkable, delivering an amazing performance in both.

The entire cast works cohesively to deliver a gripping, emotionally charged production.

This latest adaptation of Of Mice and Men is a thought-provoking and powerful re-imagining of Steinbeck’s classic. The decision to cast actors with lived experiences brings an added layer of authenticity, making the themes of isolation, marginalisation, and fragile dreams hit even harder. While the first half carefully builds the world and relationships, the second act is utterly gripping, culminating in a devastating yet beautifully executed finale. With raw and deeply human performances, striking design, and a strong creative vision, this production is both timely and timeless. A masterclass in storytelling, it is gripping, heartbreaking, and unmissable.

Of Mice and Men will be at The Octagon Theatre Bolton until Saturday, 12th April 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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Photo Credit - Pamela Raith

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.