Of Mice & Men

The fare at the Watermill hasn‘t quite been up to its normal sky-high standard this year - including a startlingly disappointing Propeller, words I never thought I‘d write - but there‘s a real return to form with ’Of Mice and Men‘. It‘s not the happiest of stories, but this is theatre as it should be - superbly acted and produced, and packing an emotional punch that lasts for days.

A tale of friendship, loss and loneliness, the story is simple but hugely powerful. In 1930‘s California Lenny and George search for work wherever they can find it. George looks out for Lenny, a gentle giant with the mind of a child. George knows he‘d get on better without Lenny but can‘t bring himself to leave him, until he‘s forced to make a final heartbreaking decision to protect his friend.

Without exception, the cast is outstanding, but David Ganly as Lenny is simply sensational. I could not take my eyes off him, and was intensely moved by his performance. In the intimacy of that tiny theatre, we were part of his story, and all felt we‘d seen something special.

The ambient sound effects and lighting were particularly good too - all contributing to an evening of exceptional theatre.

PatH (Unverified), 22/05/12