Last week TG’s version of the classic southern gothic A Streetcar Named Desire attracted a good sized audience to 7 Arts, Chapel Allerton. Here’s what some of our writers had to say about the production.
5/5 Stars
Once again, LUU Theatre Group has pulled off a powerful and skilfully staged production: this time Tennessee Williams’ classic A Streetcar Named Desire. The story of the desperation, heartbreak and violence that follows when Blanche Dubois visits her sister Stella and brother-in-law Stanley is superbly played out: there are certainly no dud performances, with the audience been taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
Blanche’s actions and gestures are elegant and understated, but there is no question of her fragile state; beautifully acted by Flora Line, her gradual mental breakdown is heart-wrenching to watch. The chemistry between her and Stella (played by Cordelia Morrison) is excellent and Jordan Larkin as Stanley is brilliant, swiftly switching from subdued to violent in seconds. In fact, the entire cast give incredibly naturalistic performances, fully absorbing the audience in the play, and ought to be congratulated on their amazing sense of timing, spot-on accents and indisputable talent.
The set is also remarkable; there is a wonderful attention to detail and the production team have gone to great lengths.
Adding to the scenes and creating a fantastic atmosphere are the gorgeous tunes played by Lizzie Leonard (on saxophone) and John Sermon (on piano). They give an added element to the more emotional scenes and effectively mask scene changes. The set is also remarkable; there is a wonderful attention to detail and the production team (Kris Bennell, Liana Telvi, and Sophie Quaile) have gone to great lengths to source the perfect furniture, costumes, and even wallpaper.
This is an incredibly moving and poignant production which holds nothing back. By the end of the performance, the audience are in pieces: shaken up, on the edge of their seats and openly weeping…few can claim to have successfully evoked such emotions in so many, but the cast and creative team behind A Streetcar Named Desire certainly can count themselves among them.
Alice Rafter
4/5 Stars
The sellout TG production of A Street Care Named Desire, written by Tennessee Williams, transports its audience to 1940’s New Orleans with ethereal live music and a meticulously detailed set.
The play begins as delicate Blanche DuBois (Flora Line) arrives at her sister Stella’s house, which falls short of her refined tastes. As her large black trunk, overflowing with fine clothes, lingers in the cramped conditions, Blanche’s apparently desirable situation dissolves as we learn more about the families past. Line gives us a chilling insight into Blanches troubled mind and the extent of her loss.
With fabulous supporting characters such as the frank but caring Eunice the abundance of fresh talent is clear.
Stella (Cordelia Morrison) and her animalistic husband Stanley (Jordan Larkin) maintain fantastic chemistry as the claustrophobic living conditions lead to dark twists and outbursts of violence. With fabulous supporting characters such as the frank but caring Eunice (Amy Sutton) and Stanly’s amusing poker buddies, as well as cripplingly nice Mitch (Alex Hargreaves) the abundance of fresh talent is clear. Although slightly long in the first half it was consistently engaging, the actors dealt with the hard-hitting emotional aspects and executed effortless comedy. The play explores the characters unattainable desires, Blanche with her need for magic and Stanly with his harsh enforcement of truth, a theme that is appropriate to an audience from any decade.
Overall, a highly enjoyable slice of reality, keep your eye out for more from this company.
Molly Elmes