Performance Exchange Theatre Company Visit Regents

Performance Exchange Theatre Company Visit Regents Performance Exchange Theatre Company rendition of 'Of Mice and Men' leaves Regents students wanting more. Following their powerful performance of The Elephant Man in 2013, the Performance Exchange Company from the UK recently made a welcome return to the Globe Theatre to perform, 'Of Mice and Men' adapted from John Steinbeck’s classic novel.

The play tells the compelling story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world. Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie, have nothing in the world except each other and a dream, a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Their hopes are doomed as Lennie, struggling against extreme cruelty and feelings of jealousy becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and a shared vision and giving voice to America's lonely and dispossessed, 'Of Mice and Men' has proved to be one of Steinbeck's most popular works. John Steinbeck, who’s other works included 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'East of Eden', won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.

All the parts were expertly played by the two actors, Nigel Miles-Thomas and Daniel Foley. Through simple costumes and skilful use of voice and movement the actors conveyed the desolate loneliness and frustrations of the characters, the action of the play rushing headlong to its tragic conclusion with the death of Lenny at the hands of his closest friend. The audience sat spellbound as the action of the play unfolded and the actors thoroughly deserved the loud applause at the end for their textbook display of bravura acting. Unsurprisingly, the performance initiated classroom discussion focussing on the themes of the play in the days following the performance. As a bonus, Daniel Foley led a stimulating and entertaining workshop on Japanese Noh Theatre to the current Year 13 IB Theatre students earlier on in the day.

Once again, the Performance Exchange Company has been excellent value to the school and it is hoped that there will be a further visit next year.