A Play Very Much for Today
The Torch Theatre Company’s production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men is showing at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, from 5 to 22 October.
As the Torch celebrates its 45th anniversary, this will be the final drama directed by artistic director Peter Doran who retires at the end of 2022 after 25 successful years at the Torch.
Of Mice and Men is a literary classic, telling the moving story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers, who move from place to place in California in search of new job opportunities during the Great Depression of 1930s America.
Despite its age, it is very much a play for today. The universality of people’s desire to seek a better life is just as poignant today as it was then. Economic migration, exclusion, friendship, loneliness, racism, sexism, violence, and attitudes to disabilities are themes within the play and they all resonate just as strongly today as they did when the book was first published.
This production will bring home the ageless difficulties faced by migrants, giving voice to the lonely and dispossessed in a tense and surprising drama.
Peter Doran
The nine-strong professional cast features several familiar faces that have previously graced the stage at the Torch as well as introducing some of the finest up and coming actors from across Wales and beyond.
Taking the lead role as George is Jâms Thomas whose film and TV credits include Mr Nice, Save The Cinema, Torchwood and Casualty, as well as taking on the role of Abanazar at the Torch in 2019’s Aladdin.
Alongside Jâms, playing the role of Lenny, is Mark Henry-Davies who will be appearing at the Torch for the first time. Mark graduated last year from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and he recently appeared as Phillips in the first season of Itopia on S4C.
Jâms Thomas
Mark Henry-Davies
Tickets cost £20.50, £18.50 concessions, £14.50 matinee and £9 for under-26s.
Tickets can be booked from the Torch Theatre’s box office on 01646 695267 or by visiting torchtheatre.co.uk.
For school or group bookings, contact the box office on 01646 695267 or email boxoffice@torchtheatre.co.uk
