Review – THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Reviewer – DEANNE JOOSTEN

Tennessee Williams’s  American classic The Glass Menagerie is a ‘memory play’ that explores the difference between how we want to see the past and how the world actually is.   The play is narrated by Tom, a young man on the verge of escaping the clutches of his overbearing but well-meaning mother and examines a sequence of events that will stay with him forever.  It is set in St Louis and oscillates between two time frames, the 1940s where Tom is our narrator and the 1930s where the action takes place.

Peter Tulloch has skilfully directed this poignant and sincere piece of theatre as the latest production produced by Ballarat National Theatre.  Peter’s attention to detail is also recognised in the set design which is cleverly reflective of the sketchy and not always accurate details that one remembers in memories. The interaction between the characters is truthful and the witty dialogue is both funny and thought provoking. Peter has used the non-naturalistic and symbolic set design as a vehicle to reveal layers of subtext within the script and give the audience even more information about what is actually going on beneath the surface.

The cast perform with great commitment and flair and expose the vulnerability and strength of their respective characters with respect and skill.  Pamela Maiden is superb as Tom’s mother, Amanda. Brett Merchant transitions the character Tom seamlessly between both time frames and is enigmatic and engrossing as the narrator.  Sarah Page is convincing and draws great empathy for her character Laura (Tom’s sister) and Sam O’Brien’s portrayal of Jim is believable and engaging. 
Overall the skilful direction and design of Peter Tulloch supported by a very strong and able cast makes The Glass Menagerie a must see production at The Courthouse Theatre. If you enjoy a good night at the theatre watching a well executed and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre than The Glass Menagerie makes for an enjoyable and thought provoking evening.