Tennessee Williams tale is played out at New Vic Theatre

Sep 28 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

EMERGING director Sarah Punshon is staging a timely production of Tennessee Williams’ great Depression era drama at the New Vic Theatre.

The Glass Menagerie weaves together strikingly contemporary themes of economic and emotional hard times.

A four character memory play, it charts the lives of the Wingfield family.

Ageing Southern belle Amanda Wingfield has come down in the world. Once the most popular girl in town, she had her pick of suitors – but chose the wrong one.

When son, Tom, brings a workmate home for dinner, could he be the gentleman caller of Amanda’s dreams? Or will her world of fantasy and nostalgia finally be shattered?

Punshon, director of Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless, says: “It feels like a particularly appropriate moment to be staging The Glass Menagerie.

“The play’s narrator, Tom, is a young man desperate to go out into the world and make his mark but being held back by hard times and family circumstances. It’s a situation that will resonate with many young people today.”

The show runs from Friday until October 15. To book tickets, priced £9.50-£18.50, call the box office on 01782 717962, or visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk.