Award-winning and critically acclaimed director Atri Banerjee returns to the Royal Exchange Theatre with his fresh retelling of The Glass Menagerie – the play that launched Tennessee Williams’ career, marking him out as one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th Century.
Originally programmed for 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, this contemporary production brings all 4 original cast members back together – Geraldine Somerville, Rhiannon Clements, Joshua James and Eloka Ivo. Stunningly designed for the Exchange’s unique stage this 2022 production reunites the Director with Designer Rosanna Vize continuing their creative collaboration following the successes of Brittamicus (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre) and Harm (Bush Theatre). The Glass Menagerieopens on 2 September and runs until 8 October.
Tennessee Williams’ semi-autobiographical memory play pulls apart the complex dynamics of an oppressive family life, and shows how unpredictable, painful and volatile memory can be. Tom remembers; he recalls his mother Amanda, his sister Laura and the overwhelming responsibility of family ties that bind you for life.
Playing the family matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is Geraldine Somerville who returns to the Exchange following her role as Laura in Ian Hastings’ 1989 production of this classic family drama. It was Geraldine’s professional acting debut, for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the Manchester Evening News awards.
An acclaimed film, television and theatre actor Geraldine’s roles have included the iconic DS Jane Penhaligon in Cracker, for which she received a TV BAFTA Best Actress nomination, and as Lily Potter in the internationally celebrated Harry Potter franchise.
Playing alongside Geraldine are Rhiannon Clements as Laura and Joshua James as Tom. Rhiannon makes a welcome return to the Exchange following her role in Wuthering Heights (2019).
Most recently Rhiannon was nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ at The National Television Awards and ‘Best Villian’ at The Soap Awards for her role as Summer Ranger in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.
Joshua James makes his Royal Exchange debut as Tom, and completing the cast is Eloka Ivo, a Nigerian-British actor, based in London who takes on the role of Jim.
DirectorAtri Banerjee was previously Trainee Director at the Exchange. In 2019, for his production of Hobson’s Chioce here at the Theatre, he won The Stage Debut Award for Best Director and was nominated for the UK Theatre Award for Best Director.
He was recently named in The Stage 25 list of theatre-makers to look out for in 2022 and beyond. Atri trained at Birkbeck and on the National Theatre Directors’ Course, and was also previously a Resident Director at the Almeida Theatre
THE GLASS MENAGERIE – Listings Information
A Royal Exchange Theatre production
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Atri Banerjee
2 Sept – 8 Oct
Box Office: 0161 833 9833
Online: The Glass Menagerie – Royal Exchange Theatre
