Of Mice and Men

Summaries of Steinbeck's heartbreaking Of Mice and Men never fail to emphasise its Depression-era setting, almost to the point where the economic climate is assumed to be directly responsible for every tragic twist and brutal disappointment.

In reality, though, this is a drama about the nature of humanity, and Ian Grieve's Perth Theatre production is perhaps more likely to strike a chord with those caring for elderly relatives than those fearing the effects of recession. Prosperity doesn't seem to have solved the problem of caring for those who live beyond their working years, despite the best laid plans of the Scottish government.

George (Jimmy Chisholm) is tormented by his relationship with the strong but mentally handicapped Lennie (Liam Brennan), who constantly tests his patience while encouraging him to dream of a bright future. Chisholm's understated, stoical performance delivers a real punch to the guts ' never less than empathetic, he is a man without choices who will nonetheless be haunted by his actions. Playing against type, Brennan takes longer to ease into his role (his stammer initially veers perilously close to Mel Blanc's Elmer Fudd), but becomes entirely convincing as the child-like soul whose innocent actions lead so casually and unjustly to terrible conclusions.

Gareth Thomas provides excellent support as Candy, whose jolly demeanour masks a fear of uselessness and terminal decline, and Tom McGovern's Curley is similarly convincing as a man who responds with aggression to humiliation and disillusionment.

The production could certainly do without the clumsy back-wall projections during scene changes, but is greatly enhanced by original music from the spectre that is composer/performer Stuart Graham.