The Glass Menagerie at Yard Theatre
Tennessee Williams’s first successful play becomes the last to be shown at the Yard Theatre in the building’s current form before its exciting rebirth in 2026.
The Glass Menagerie is a story told through the character of Tom Wingfield (played by Tom Varey). He introduces the narrative as his memory of a time when he was living with his mother, Amanda (Sharon Small), and sister, Laura (Eva Morgan).
Set in 1930s America, the show very much showcases the gender roles of the time. The father is gone, making Tom the man of the house; he works down the factory and financially supports the household. Domestic Amanda actually takes care of the home while yearning for her days as a young debutante and the gentlemen callers she received, pressuring Laura into finding a man. Laura, meanwhile, is incredibly shy and nervous, having a disability that has overtaken her personality and made her struggle to make connections. After a lot of pestering from Amanda, Tom finally brings a nice young man home for Laura, Jim O’Connor (played by Jad Sayegh).
It’s about memories. It’s about how our personal perspectives alter how we remember. It’s about holding onto things. And it’s about leaving things behind. But you have to dig deep to explore these themes. On the surface, it’s simply a bittersweet slice-of-life piece. A bit of moving 1930s Americana. Some smiles, some sadness.
This is a very ethereal take on Williams’s script. Director Jay Miller has developed an almost unworldly style that feels like a hazy memory. But it’s a very modern way to do it, stripping back set elements and instead relying on lighting and motion and playing with space. This creates a strange juxtaposition with the obviously old-fashioned material that takes a while to bed in, but by the interval, it feels right, and the second half benefits from it.
It’s hard to believe there could be a better cast for this particular version. Tom Varey leads a group of four performers who are all at once wonderful to watch. Every word from Varey is dripping with charisma, while just a single glance from Eva Morgan is all it takes to send a wave of sadness through the auditorium.
The Glass Menagerie is a thoughtful and very well-produced show, not for everyone, but those who like this sort of thing will love it. And a play about a memory with loved ones is a very fitting end for this era of the Yard Theatre.
Jim Compton-Hall
Photos: Manuel Harlan
The Glass Menagerie is at Yard Theatre from 28th February until 10th May 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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