Theatre News

Bolton Octagon Cast: Leicester in Glass Menagerie

The Octagon presents another piece of classic American drama, Tennessee Williams’ first great play – The Glass Menagerie with Margot Leicester returning to the venue as Amanda.

In a cramped St Louis apartment in 1945 the regrets, hopes and frustrations of an abandoned family are revealed with the truth, humour and compassion for which Tennessee Williams is renowned. A largely autobiographical play, it is widely acknowledged that Williams’ own family relationships provided inspiration for The Glass Menagerie.

Leicester will play the role of abandoned matriarch Amanda Wingfield. Margot is a celebrated stage and screen actress who appeared in The Knot of the Heart at the Almeida Theatre in 2011 to critical acclaim.  Margot appeared in the Octagon’s 2011 productions of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus, receiving a Manchester Theatre Award for Best Actress for her performance as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Margot Leicester was also nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award for Broken Glass at the National Theatre, directed by David Thacker, in 1994.

Margot will be reunited with Kieran Hill, playing the role of The Gentleman Caller. Kieran appeared at the Octagon alongside her in Woolf? in 2011, receiving a Manchester Theatre Award nomination for his performance in the category of Best Supporting Actor.

Fiona Hampton plays Laura Wingfield, a character as fragile as her collection of glass animals. The Glass Menagerie will be Fiona’s fourth Octagon production in less than 6 months, cast by David Thacker in half of the Octagon’s eight productions that make up the 2012-13 Season, including Lighthearted Intercourse, Of Mice and Men and Tull. Fiona has appeared in several productions since she graduated from Drama Centre London and recently appeared in BBC1’s Holby City, playing Dr. Lulu Hutchison.

Octagon newcomer Nathan Wiley will work with David Thacker for the first time, taking on the role of Tom Wingfield. Nathan appeared in last year’s BBC 1 production Bert and Dickie and has performed on stage in Manhattan several times.

The Glass Menagerie is at the Octagon from 27 March – 20 April 2013.