STAGE REVIEW THE GLASS MENAGERIE

THE GLASS MENAGERIE UK TOUR 2024
 Natalie Kimmerling (Laura)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overview

Director, Atri Banerjee gives a bold interpretation of this memory play, one which actor, Kasper Hilton-Hille as Tom Wingfield explains in his first scene narration. It is Tom's unfolding memories that relays the story of family dysfunction; the psychology is so intriguing. 

Amanda provided a safe, conventional, but restrictive life for Tom and his sister, Laura; nothing was spontaneous and everything was predictable and this is what drove Tom to distraction. He needed to keep away from the house day and night, whereas Amanda and Laura were largely confined to it. The home was not a healthy environment for Tom. We can make definite theme comparisons of this and Henrik Ibsen's nineteenth century play A Doll's House.

Amanda, being a narcissitic individual, was full of contempt for her husband who had deserted them; she frequently accused Tom of being selfish like his father. Laura struggled with a disability and lacked confidence. Therefore, duty and responsibilities weighed heavy on Tom, who was frustrated at home, hated his job and so plotted his escape.

Jim O'Connor is the remaining character from outside the family unit. Later, in the order of chronological events, he found himself at the Wingfield's home for a meal which evoked old memories for Laura.

Pictured the cast of The Glass Menagerie : 

Zacchaeus Kayode (Jim O'Connor),  

Natalie Kimmerling (Laura Wingfield),  

Geraldine Somerville (Amanda Wingfield) 

Kasper Hilton-Hille (Tom Wingfield) 

Observations

The Glass Menagerie is the work of American playwright Tennesse Williams (1911-1983) and is semi-autobiographical. Even so, reviewer noted some strong theme links with Ibsen as mentioned and with D H Lawrence's novella The Virgin and the Gypsy (p 1926). To explore these plot themes helps with the critiquing aspects of the play, so it is interesting that a simile Lawrence uses for his character, Cynthia ‘pure white snow-flower’ is a close match to O'Connor's Blue Rose nickname for Laura.

Lawrence, in his novella, agrees that Cynthia would have added energy and 'flow' to the otherwise miserable Rectory, while Williams marks O'Connor's presence in the Wingfield's home as a highlight in an otherwise dull household.

The most glaring similarity is that both works have a male character that has been romantised over and therefore has been given elevated status in the eyes of a young woman protaganist. In Lawrence's novella Yvette's reality is that her dark and mysterious hero is just plain, Joe, at the story's end. Similarly, for Laura, it turns out that O'Connor is not that remarkable, he's just ordinary, Jim, at the end of the day in a regular job with a fiance.

Comment

The careful placing of little blown glass figurines of animals and birds etc., around the circular stage are a metaphor for the fragility of the family, in particular the Laura character. 

Reviewer wonders if it was right to be fretting and mindful not just of the delicacy of the glass ornaments but of the naked candle flames and their close proximity (at times) to players wearing flammable clothing. The waterfilled vases too, being at the feet of the players, who move inbetween all of these props with much dexterity. Therefore, on one hand a beautiful and atmospheric staging at low level but with intention perhaps, to create an unsettling air and which double up as feeble entrapments to fit with the core messages of the piece.

Last but not at all least the dramaturgy one can attach to this has made a version of The Glass Menagerie that is the best of the best. Reviewer is a lover of a good stage drama and this play has it all; it is flawless and has moments of breathtaking beauty. 

The performances of all four cast members is wonderfully naturalistic. Hilton-Hille was visibly moved when he delivers Tom's emotional and sad soliloquy at the play's end, when, having made the break from his home long ago, suddenly arrives at a harsh reality in regard to his dear sister.

**ENDS**

Review by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry performance of The Glass Menagerie on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 7.30 pm

REFERENCES

ANRPR The Glass Menagerie Press Performance Information (19 March 2024)

ANRPR The Glass Menagerie production images (20 March 2024)

The Belgrade Theatre What's On The Glass Menagerie https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/the-glass-menagerie/