Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with OF MICE AND MEN

Set in the Great Depression of the 1930s, when millions were forced to travel in search of a job and their dreams, Of Mice and Men is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heart-breaking testament to the bonds of friendship. Considered a challenging and controversial play, it is produced by Selladoor (Avenue Q, The Crucible, Flashdance) in association with The Marlowe Theatre.

Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck based the story on his own experiences. It tells of George and Lennie, two migrant workers who dream of owning their own ranch. With nothing but the clothes on their back and a dream, the wily and bright George aspires to independence, to be his own boss and most importantly to be "somebody". Gentle giant Lennie aspires to be with George and join him in his Eden.

Richard Keightley (The Mousetrap, St Martin's Theatre) stars as George, alongside Matthew Wynn (Hamlet, The Almeida; Measure For Measure, Young Vic) as Lennie. They will be joined on stage by Andrew Boyer (Candy), Cameron Robertson (Slim), Darren Bancroft (Carlson), Kevin Mathurin (Crooks), Harry Egan (Whit), Kamran Darabi Ford (Curley), Rosemary Boyle (Curley's Wife), and Robert Ashe (The Boss).

Of Mice And Men is directed by Guy Unsworth, who said: "This great American story has stood the test of time. It's not only about the Great Depression in 1930s rural America, but a timeless tale of loyalty and the struggles for survival in a cruel and competitive world.

"For me, it is also one of the most beautiful stories ever told - both heart-warming and breaking at the same time. I fell in love with it when I studied it as a teenager, so it's always been on my bucket list to direct, and when I mention the title, so many people have a great fondness for it too. I can't wait to bring it back to the stage."

Of Mice And Men is at The Marlowe Theatre from Monday 29 January to Saturday 3 February, with performances at 7.30pm (not Tuesday), and 2.30pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets, priced from £18.75 to £37.75 (concessions available) are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or marlowetheatre.com. See the website for details of the audio-described, British Sign Language-interpreted and captioned performances.

Photo Credit: Barry Rivett

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