Tennessee Williams triumphant masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire oozes its way onto His Majesty’s Theatre’s stage this week showing from 12th -14th November 2024 with burning delight!
This sizzling hot tale is set in the sultry summer heat of New Orleans in the 1940s which truly packs a punch with themes of love, lust and betrayal. This classic story has been reimagined and readapted countless times over the years! But adoring fans of this magnificent theatre piece will be pleased to know that Elizabeth Newman’s marvellous direction for the most part stays true to Williams’s world famous, critically acclaimed play.
This brooding narrative follows the feisty yet insecure Blanche DuBois- a fading southern belle who has her life turned upside down when she loses her once prosperous life and ends up living with her younger sister Stella in a tiny, shabby apartment in the French quarter of New Orleans. Blanches fragile emotions prompt immediate suspicion in Stella’s domineering husband Stanley which causes them to collide in a tempestuous struggle for Stella’s heart. As tensions brew and sparks begin to fly- the truths from the past begin to bubble to the surface. Blanche begins to find it increasingly hard to grapple with what is fantasy and what is reality- a peril which leads her to a tragically harrowing end.
Kirsty Stuart’s take on the iconic Blanche Dubois is nothing short of magnificent. She completely captivates the audience with her witty humour and frank opinions which you just can’t help but appreciate. Stuart manages effortlessly to convey an extremely personable, self-assured take on Dubois whilst also showing a side that is very vulnerable and self-imageobsessed. This contrast allows the audience fully to understand the characters’ multilayers and complexities in more depth which only adds to her likeable appeal. Stuart’s portrayal can only be described as a shining Hollywood starlet straight out of a classic 1950s movie- worthy of any stage!
Matthew Trevannion as the brutish Stanley Kowalski is a performance that commands the room from start to finish! Trevannion strong stage presence hits you straight in the face from the very beginning. From his brash ape-like movements across the stage to his extremely obnoxious yells of dialoguethat are impossible to ignore throughout. Trevannion undoubtedly provokes tension that fills the room but this rapidly implodes with violent outbursts of seething anger which leaves you walking on eggshells even after the curtain comes down!
Nalini Chetty’s as Stella actively turns a blind eye to her husband’s controlling ways to the detriment of both her and her sister Blanche. Despite this she is still able to provide an unwavering amount of support to her sister much to the dislike of Stan. The lustful chemistry between Stella and Stan burns strong along with the extreme toxicity of the relationship which is a mirror image of the couple who liveupstairs. Chetty’s portrayal of Stella has an angel-like presence which has Stanley crawling back, begging forgiveness as he whispers empty promises into her ear time and time again. A beautifully honest performance of a woman that caught between the two people she loves most.
Keith McPherson plays the chivalrous Harold Mitchell ‘Mitch’ who provides the much needed contradiction to Stanley’s overpowering behaviour which balances the whole performance out perfectly. The portrayal of Mitch can only be described as an endearing gentleman who catches the eye of Blanche with his loveable, straightforward nature that ultimately makes for a heart-breaking moment when things don’t work out between both him and Blanche.
The supporting cast and ensemble are undoubtedly the backbone to this riveting piece of theatre. Performances from Oliver Cookson and Deidre David as Mr and Mrs Hubbell give a very hot and cold relationship which adds to the overall feeling of chaos displayed within this play. Ensemble roles from Jesse Fox, Patricia Panther and Marc Small as the various characters that walk the seedy streets of New Orleans brings the perfect atmosphere that is required for this tale to unravel in.
The set design from Emily Jones is absolutely breath taking. It beautifully draws you in as it brings to life the true reality of living in a very small apartment. In the centre of the stage is a spiral staircase leading to the neighbouring apartment upstairs from Stella and Stanley’s. The staircase is tastefully lit with delicate fairy lights that seem to almost imitate the twinkling stars in the New Orleans night sky. The stage rotates which allows the audience to view the confined apartment from different angles and points of view- very much like the play itself. The stunning lighting by Jeanine Byrne is a real treat to the audience’s eye- the mood is set just right with cascading colours of green and copper. The golden lights that shone upon the upper dress circle accompanied by the sounds of passing trains created a deeply immersive experience.
Elizabeth Newman’s expert direction coupled with that of a tremendously talented cast does this dramatic tale absolute justice! From the attention to detail, to the careful consideration of how the characters move and vocalise their feelings- it is truly a joy to witness. This Forceful production is a must see for theatre enthusiasts who love thought and emotion provoking performances that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Grab your tickets here!
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/a-streetcar-named-desire-2/
Theatre Scotland 
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