The Glass Menagerie

by Tennessee Williams
Duke of York's Theatre, London

My second time seeing Tennessee Williams' classic memory play this year. Jeremy Herrin's production is brisk and competent but fails to find its emotional heart. The action takes place on a bare-bones set surrounded by stage clutter with primacy given to the titular glass menagerie that glitters like a super-sized aquarium. One rather wishes it was used more. 

Despite the star billing, Amy Adams (making her West End debut) strikes one as decidedly restrained as Amanda Wingfield, a role that not only feels like it's too mature for her but which requires an almost suffocating maternal energy to do it justice; the scene of her parading frivolously in a white dress from her youth falls rather flat. 

Herrin splits the role of Tom Wingfield into two: the older narrator looking back wistfully on his past and the younger Tom who is part of the action on stage. It's a decision I rather liked as it adds to the pathos of revisiting one's history with fresh eyes. The older Tom however struggles to find much to do apart from circling the set and occasionally handing the other characters the odd prop. 

Lizzie Annis is perhaps the weakest link as fragile sister Laura who unfortunately doesn't manage to arouse one's sympathy or achieve any meaningful connection with Victor Alli's suave and charming Jim, the gentleman caller her mother pins her hopes on.

The Crystalwords score: 3/5