John Steinbeck’s novel about two migrant workers during the Great Depression in California is brought to life in this stage adaptation.

Blackwood Little Theatre has had the pleasure of playing to a packed house during a four-night run this week, predominantly made up of teenagers studying the text for their GCSE exams.

The pace is slow to start, as we see the relationship develop between the two migrant workers George (Matthew Curran) and slow-witted Lennie (Gareth Price-Stephens), who doesn’t realise his own physical strength.

The main themes of the novel, friendship and loneliness, are especially well portrayed by this pair.

Gradually it is revealed that George and Lennie had to move on from their last job after Lennie, who loves touching anything soft, be it materials or animals, is falsely accused of raping a young woman.

They find work at a ranch where they meet old man Candy (Steve Wride), the boss’s aggressive son Curly (Steve Dobson) and Slim (Tim Bennett).

Lennie is soon in trouble again as he fights with Curly and later uses his strength with tragic consequences. 

The show continues next week, Monday to Thursday.