Evocative Southern drama (From This Is Wiltshire)

Evocative Southern drama

2:06pm Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical drama, set in St Louis, Missouri in the Depression of the 1930’s, is an impressive co-production with Shared Experience, directed by Polly Teale.

An interesting set designed by Naomi Dawson features the tenement apartment that is home to faded Southern belle Amanda Wingfield, her son Tom and reclusive daughter Laura.

Imogen Stubbs, as Amanda, a deserted wife, shows frustration and regret at her reduced circumstances, and the inability of her offspring to improve their prospects.

Her Southern speech is mirrored so accurately that some lines may elude playgoers unfamiliar with the accent.

Patrick Kennedy, as Tom, a writer who works in a warehouse, is narrator, as well as having a central role in the family’s unsatisfactory, claustrophobic existence.

His attempt to appease his mother by taking a workmate home to dinner unwittingly causes a further crisis when her hope of finding a beau for the painfully shy Laura is sadly dashed.

Emma Lowndes, as Laura, is obsessed with a collection of miniature glass animals from which the play gains its title.

Her brilliant portrayal of a nervous young woman whose feeling of total inadequacy is heightened by a limp, contrasts sharply with the overbearing attitude of her mother.

Memories of the Gentleman Callers of Amanda’s golden youth exacerbate the agony.

Kyle Soller, in a charming performance as the family’s dinner guest, is unfazed by Amanda, and succeeds in drawing Laura out of her shell for a brief respite before his personal plans become known.

The inclusion of evocative film clips, haunting incidental music and authentic period props enhance the drama.

It runs until March 20 at the Playhouse, prior to a national tour.