The Glass Menagerie
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Glass Menagerie Set for Oldham Coliseum

The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams’ heart breaking tale of a family in crisis, arrives at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre next month.

Everybody needs a way to escape. For Amanda, an ageing Southern Belle who picked the wrong eligible bachelor to marry, it’s in the endless regaling of tales of her idyllic youth and the scores of suitors that once pursued her. For her son, Tom, the man of the house since his father abandoned the family years ago, it’s in alcohol, movies and literature. For his cripplingly shy sister, Laura, a girl with no prospects and no suitors, it’s in her collection of glass animals, each as delicate and fragile as she is.

When Tom brings home a gentleman caller for Laura, Amanda sees a brighter future for her daughter and a true escape for them all.

Written before his other masterpieces Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie was the play that propelled Tennessee Williams - one of the greatest American playwrights - into the mainstream. Based on the short story Portrait of a Girl in Crisis, this is a sensitive and heartbreaking portrayal of a post depression family in crisis, and a classic of twentieth century theatre.

Directed by Sarah Punshon and Designed by Michael Holt - the play stars Louise Bangay (Amanda), James Joyce (Tom), Harry Livingstone (Jim) and Katie Moore (Laura).

The Glass Menagerie runs at the Oldham Coliseum from 20 October - 5 November.
 

- by Glenn Meads

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