A Streetcar Named Desire – Liverpool Playhouse.
Writer: Tennessee Williams
Director: Gemma Bodinetz
Reviewer: Vicki Goodwin
The Public Reviews Rating: 
Written in 1947, Tennessee’s, A Streetcar Named Desire, has cemented itself as one of America’s most iconic plays. Primarily dealing with the culture clash between the characters of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, the play also touches on the themes of alcoholism, class warfare, and fantasy; allowing the audience the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world that is achingly lonely, and at times, horrendously cruel. As Stella finds herself taking refuge in her sister’s apartment, she’s introduced to the world of her brother in law Stanley. A world she’s instantly at odds with.
Artistic Director for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Gemma Bodinetz, has stepped into the role of Director, for a play that pushes the boundaries of what an audience is comfortable viewing. Issues such as domestic violence are shown in a brutally honest light. The violence acted out on stage is delivered as devastatingly as a gunshot blast, highlighting how despite personal agonies suffered, life does and will carry on. There is no sugar coating the core themes of the play, and it is a credit to Bodinetz that she has surrounded herself with a cast who are entirely capable of giving honestly agonizing character portrayals.
Gideon Davey has created a simple yet effective set, which transports the audience to another time and place. We find ourselves in New Orleans, where the sounds of rich jazz and the energy of the city float on the breeze. Given the cold temperatures in Liverpool at the moment, it seems almost impossible to imagine the sweltering heat of New Orleans, yet here it is, delivered through exquisite lighting (Paul Keogan) and sound (Fergus O’Hare) I truly felt as though I, like Blanche, had stepped off that sidecar into Elysian Fields Avenue.
Amanda Drew shines as Southern belle, Blanche DuBois. Perpetually obsessed with her advancing age and fading beauty, Blanche is a born survivor. A woman, who has been broken down by society, yet remains defiant to the end. Drew is the perfect choice for the role. She excels in emoting tremendous presence and dignity, and is never more captivating than when delving into Stella’s devastating descent into madness. She is the true star of this performance, delivering scene after scene of brilliance. Her portrayal alone would be worth the price of admission, though happily she is joined by a cast who alsi excel in this beautiful production.
Sam Troughton’s Stanley, is brutish and domineering. A man who takes great pleasure in exposing his sister in law to the harsh and judgemental light of the world. Troughton delivers a sinister portrayal of the predatory and amoral Stanley, pulling the audience into his world. In his quieter moments, Troughton has the ability to evoke a pitying sympathy within us, yet it is ultimately the force of his anger that has us gripped.
The entire cast gives exhilarating performances. From the tremendous grace and girlishness of Leanne Best’s Stella, to the gentleness of Matthew Flynn’s Mitch, we are exposed to a play that delivers such intensity that I keep finding my mind drifting back to the drama of the stage. This is another triumph from Bodinetz and the Playhouse. Make sure you book a ticket, not to be missed!
Photo: Stephen Vaughn
Runs until March 10th
Tags: A Streetcar Named Desire, Amanda Drew, Amanda Drew. Liverpool Playhouse, Fergus O’Hare, Gemma Bodinetz, Gideon Davey, Leanne Best, Liverpool Playhouse, Matthew Flynn, Paul Keogan, Sam Troughton, Theatre
