AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: A Streetcar Named Desire - The Garrick Playhouse, Altrincham.

'A Streetcar Named Desire' is one of my absolute favourite shows. In fact, it has been described as one of the finest plays ever written. Given its dramatic nature and intense script, I was intrigued to see how a group of non-professionals would tackle the production.

Set in New Orleans in the 1940s in the absolutely sweltering heat. Blanche DuBois (Kathryn Worthington) arrives unexpectedly to see her sister Stella (Fiona Primrose), who is now married to Stanley (Matthew Banwell). But why has Blanche come to see Stella?

This really was a production of two halves. There were some really top-quality moments and others where it somehow seemed to fall somewhat. The scene setting, the lighting, and props were all great, as were the two leading ladies. However, the main theatre stage at the Garrick was simply too small to host this production. I didn't understand why the bedroom was placed at the back of the stage. During some of the scenes I found it impossible to concentrate on the dialogue as there were a group of men playing poker at the front of the stage. Surely it would have been better if the bedroom and kitchen were side by side. Any production that involves four people sitting at a table will inevitably cause blocking issues. However, with some creative directing this could have been resolved. Unfortunately, from my seat my view of the main action was obstructed several times due to people sitting at the main dining table.

Worthington's performance as the iconic Blanche was fantastic. There was a lovely tender moment when she reminisced about her past lover. However, personally I would have liked more from the final scene. That scene is one of the best scenes in theatre history. I just felt a bit short changed on the evening. This may have been the director's choice but I feel she really could have done more to put her stamp on it.

Like most of Tennesse Williams’s plays, there does feel like there is unfinished business when the curtain closes. None of the characters choose to face the music and carry on living in denial.

Reviewer - Brian Madden
on 15.11.21