A Streetcar Named Desire - Altrincham Garrick

DIRECTOR John Cunningham and his cast take the audience on an emotional journey in a captivating and at times touching and deeply moving production of this American classic.

Unless you don’t have a heart, it’s impossible not to be affected by what unfolds on stage, in this absorbing piece of theatre from the pen of the great Tennessee Williams.

Watching the play is draining at times, so goodness knows what performing it must be like for a tight knit and talented cast who make it their mission to make sure not a word of the wonderful Williams dialogue isn’t wasted.

Blanche goes to stay with her sister, Stella, in the seedily seductive French quarter of New Orleans where she finds her sibling living in a dingy two bedroom flat with her husband, Stanley. It’s a strange set up because the family has known the meaning of the word ‘affluence’ in the past and mystery surrounds just what happened to the former family home.

Stanley quickly resents having Blanche around, with what he sees as her dubious past and irritating airs and graces. She compares the self-proclaimed king of his castle to an ape, branding him ‘common.’ But that really is an insult to our closest relatives.

While I was naturally repulsed by the way Stanley treats his visitor and women in general, maybe I’m being a little too 21st century about it and ignoring the fact there were and surely still are many men like him who make the lives of those around them utterly miserable.

Cunningham’s accomplished direction has drawn out fine performances from Matthew Banwell as Stanley and Kathryn Worthington and Fiona Primrose as Blanche and Stella, who evoke an authentic and endearing sisterly bond on stage.

I also liked Paul Cuddy as Mitch, one of Stanley’s poker player pals who is by far the most gentlemanly of a motley crew. Cuddy ensures you feel for Mitch as he attempts to woo Blanche as she toys with his affection.

Don’t miss this memorable production of an all American classic. Exceptional.

Until November 20. The box office is on 0161 928 1677 or online at www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. Star rating - ****