» Review: The Grapes of Wrath
Taking Steinbeck’s classic novel and staging it might seem a daunting concept, and in many ways it is. The production was quite brilliantly staged, superb set, costumes and stunning effects carried the weighty story well. The darkness of the tale worked well too, although a barber shop quartet jarred in act one. Equally the dance scene missed the opportunity to heighten the plight of the ‘Oakies’. Much as I loved the production, I had some misgivings. The characteristic ensemble playing of a Chichester production on this occasion did not allow for heroic performances, maybe intentionally. It was also, predictably, very wordy and would not have suffered from a few judicious cuts. All the same, an excellent evening of real theatre.
Chichester Festival Theatre, 16 July
4/5
Andrew Kay
