On paper, the plight of four unremarkable, struggling real estate salesmen doesn't seem like the best fodder for drama. But David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross has enthralled audiences with its blackly comic tale of desperation, machismo and deceit since debuting in 1984.
With a Pulitzer Prize, Broadway runs, and a star-studded Hollywood movie adaption in its wake, Glengarry Glen Ross comes to Manchester's Opera House this week with big shoes to fill.
But this production, directed by Sam Yates, does an admirable job of filling them, captivating a small but engaged audience on Monday night.
Currently on a UK tour, following a highly-praised sell-out run on the West End, this modern classic takes us into the world of cut-throat Chicago salesmen. The drama follows four increasingly desperate employees who are embroiled in a high-stakes sales competition against each other and are willing to do anything to come out on top.
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Olivier Award winner, Nigel Harman (Shrek the Musical) and Mark Benton (Early Doors) take the lead roles of Ricky Roma and Shelly ‘The Machine’ Levene and are supported by Denis Conway (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Dave Moss; Wil Johnson (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead) as George Aaronow; Scott Sparrow (King Lear) as John Williamson; James Staddon (Goodnight Mister Tom) as James Lingk; and Zephryn Taitte (The Jungle Book) as Baylen.
Without exception the diverse cast deliver gripping performances, effortlessly flitting between humour and pathos. After a small adjusting period to the cast’s accents (which range from passable to distracting) you’ll be absorbed into their bleak and sordid world. All the performers play off each other expertly, demonstrating great chemistry in the well-crafted sets.
Special praise goes to Mark Benton who sets off the show to a blistering start with an impressive monologue that with its unique blend of comedy and tragedy perfectly establishes the tone of the show.
Throughout, Benton expertly toes the line between cocky and self-assured, and grovelling and desperate – perfectly encapsulating the life of a salesmen.
Harman also delivers a sterling performance as Ricky Roma, slowly peeling back the layers to reveal a character who at first glance appears to have it all figured out - but is eventually shown to be not so different to his colleagues.
Yates’ direction keeps this production moving at a rollicking pace, but still allows for the scenes to breathe.
The real star is, of course, Mamet’s dialogue which pops just as hard here as it did 35 years ago. While some of the script’s jokes may be less PC then back in the 80s, its uncompromising skewering of masculinity and the American Dream is just as poignant today.
The Manchester leg of the Glengarry Glen Ross UK tour continues every day at the Opera House until March 30. For tickets visit atgtickets.com .
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