Cast announced for Birmingham Rep’s new production of OF MICE AND MEN

Birmingham Rep have announced the cast for their brand-new production of the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Of Mice and Men, which runs at the venue from 18 March – 8 April before visiting Cambridge, Malvern, Bath and Leeds.

Tom McCall (RSC/Bristol Old Vic) will play the role of George, alongside Wiliam Young as Lennie.

Tom McCall said: “Having done most of my growing up in Birmingham, The Rep has been a theatre that I’ve always aspired to work in.

“The fact that my debut is playing George in Of Mice and Men truly is a dream come true. I can’t wait to begin the journey of discovering this fascinating character and play with the director, Iqbal Khan and the team.”

Wiliam Young added: “I'm ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. I played him in Chapter, Cardiff in 2017 with August 012 Theatre Company. He reminds me of Roald Dahl's BFG.

“I was born with a rare brain condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, (look it up for yourselves!) and find it easy to get into Lennie's mindset.

“I'm doing this for all the other people with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities who love to act but haven't had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.”

The cast is completed by James Clyde as The Boss, Simon Darwen as Slim, Maddy Hill as Curley’s Wife, Edward Judge as Carlson, Reece Pantry as Crooks, Stuart Quigley as Whit, Lee Ravitz as Candy and Riad Ritchie as Curley.

Of Mice and Men will be directed by Rep Associate Director, Iqbal Khan, who said: “I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck. I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production, that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”

The full creative team includes set & lighting design by Ciarán Bagnall, puppet direction and design by Michael Crouch, movement & fight direction by Yarit Dor, casting by Annelie Powell, composition and sound by Elizabeth Purnell, and costumes by Kay Wilton.