Ensemble Theatre transports us to 1930s St. Louis with their latest offering, The Glass Menagerie. Tennessee Williams’ well-known play centres around a family who are all grappling with something. A mother who loves too much and worries about her children’s futures. A daughter who locks herself away out of fear of judgment. And a son who’s afraid he’ll repeat his father’s mistakes.
The Glass Menagerie premiered in 1944, cementing Tennessee Williams’ place as one of America’s greatest playwrights. Since then, it has been adapted for film and television multiple times, with iconic performances from actors like Katharine Hepburn and Joanne Woodward. The play has enjoyed countless revivals on Broadway and beyond, with stars such as Jessica Lange, Cherry Jones, and Sally Field bringing Amanda Wingfield to life. This latest adaptation from Ensemble Theatre continues that legacy, offering a fresh yet faithful take on Williams’ poetic masterpiece, one you don’t want to miss.
The Glass Menagerie is all about memory, nostalgia, and the dreams we cling to, even when they’re slipping through our fingers. The story is narrated by Tom, who shares his memories with the audience as he recounts the tale of his family. His absent father, his overbearing mother, and the afternoon when a gentleman caller came to visit.
Stuck in a dull job and a cramped apartment, Tom longs for escape. His mother, Amanda, once a Southern belle, clings to the past and pins her hopes on finding a suitor for his painfully shy sister, Laura. When Tom finally brings home his workmate Jim, it seems like there’s a glimmer of hope. But as the night unfolds, reality crashes in, and the fragile world they’ve built starts to crack, leaving them all to face the truths they’ve been avoiding.
The set, designed by Grace Deacon, evokes a homey feel. Floral wallpaper covers the walls, and a large black-and-white image of Tom’s father hangs prominently. A green metal fire escape sits off to the side. Period-appropriate touches, including a Victrola, a rotary phone, a single couch, and a menagerie of glass figurines, complete the set.
The lighting, at times simple, uses white and orange hues, while blackouts with candle-lit lighting set the mood for tender moments. One of my favourites comes when Lighting Designer Verity Hampson bathes Tom in vibrant, shifting colours. Dark blue as the base, with orange, green, and pink dancing across his face. This, combined with the music by Maria Alfonsine and Damian de Boos-Smith, creates a dreamlike sequence that feels both blissful and hopeful.
Danny Ball’s portrayal of Tom feels like a natural fit. Though his character is lost in many ways, Ball’s comedic timing, subtle charm, and deep understanding of the role shine through. His rapport with Blazey Best, who plays his mother, Amanda, is undeniable. The tenderness he shows toward Bridie McKim’s Laura is truly heartbreaking.
Best is outstanding as Amanda, maintaining her accent perfectly and embodying the overbearing mother who never knows when to stop talking. She’s utterly loveable in this role, and it’s easy to get lost in her wistful moments. She uses her whole body as she lounges on the couch and reminisces about the good old days. But it’s when she’s fired up that she really comes to life.
McKim’s Laura is a revelation. At first, she’s hesitant and unsure, but by the play’s end, she stands taller than ever before, a beautiful and thoughtful transformation. I’m especially drawn to her physical comedy and the way she gets lost in her own world with the glass menagerie.
Tom Rodgers brings a delightful touch to Jim O’Connor, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. His portrayal of Jim is tender yet self-assured, and his final glance at McKim’s Laura is absolutely shattering.
With an exceptional cast and clever direction by Liesel Badorrek, this adaptation of The Glass Menagerie dazzles. The ensemble makes full use of the theatre, drawing the audience in so that we don’t just watch the performance, we’re part of it. There are moments that I find myself picturing even now. Moments that make me smile at the beauty in simplicity. Moments that reflect on life with family: the ups, the downs, and everything in between.
In a play about uncertain futures, I can confidently say that there’s no instability in Ensemble Theatre’s The Glass Menagerie. No single actor outshines the others. In fact, they all shine brighter when they’re together.
The Glass Menagerie is on now until 26 April at Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street Kirribilli NSW 2061.
Tickets: https://boxoffice.ensemble.com.au/WebPages/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx
Website: https://www.ensemble.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ensembletheatre/
Photo credits: Prudence Upton
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