Gap’s Steinbeck classic Mice premieres at Contact, 16 Feb

Mind the Gap return to the regions with their adaptation of John Steinbeck’s extraordinary tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of dreams, Of Mice and Men. Specifically adapted by respected playwright Mike Kenny the tour will premiere at the Contact Theatre, Manchester before visiting 23 venue across the country between February and March 2011.

The American classic Of Mice and Men focuses on two farm workers in 1930s America, George and Lennie. George is the sharp little guy who looks out for Lennie. Lennie is the big-hearted companion who, unaware of his own strength, seems unable to keep out of trouble. Finding work on a ranch in California they plan to stay long enough to buy a place of their own…but their arrival triggers a tragic chain of events that threatens to destroy the very dream that unites them.

Winner of the 2002 Barclays/TMA Stage Award for Outstanding Achievement in Regional Theatre the play will be performed by Jez Colborne, Robert Ewens and Jessica May Buxton.

Mind the Gap strive to create a world where learning disabled and non-disabled artists can perform alongside each other as equals, and this production is no exception – the inclusive cast includes two learning disabled and one non-disabled actor. The production is the first stage adaptation to feature an actor with learning disabilities in the role of Lennie, as well as continuing Mind the Gap’s history of casting learning disabled actors in traditionally non-disabled roles.

Of Mice and Men is at contact from 16 -19 February.