The cast of Birmingham Rep’s Of Mice and Men make surprise visit to Black Country Museum

Actors from Of Mice and Men visited the Black Country Living Museum ahead of a brand-new Birmingham stage production of John Steinbeck’s classic story.

The new adaptation of Steinbeck’s timeless tale – which resonates with the current cost of living crisis and the plight of migrants – will be staged at The Birmingham Rep.

Cast members from the new adaptation of Steinbeck’s novella visited the Black Country Living Museum and the resulting set of photographs from the location showcase the industrial landscape of Dudley uncannily resembling a Great Depression era California.

Actor Tom McCall, who plays George, discussed the new Birmingham stage production: “Having done most of my growing up in Birmingham, The Rep has been a theatre that I’ve always aspired to work in.

“The fact that my debut is playing George in Of Mice and Men truly is a dream come true.

“I can’t wait to begin the journey of discovering this fascinating character and play with the director, Iqbal Khan and the team.”

Wiliam Young, who plays Lennie, added: “I’m ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. He reminds me of Roald Dahl’s BFG.

“I was born with a rare brain condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, (look it up for yourselves!) and find it easy to get into Lennie’s mindset.

“I’m doing this for all the other people with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities who love to act but haven’t had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.”

Of Mice and Men is directed by Rep Associate Director, Iqbal Khan, who directed the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and whose productions of Tartuffe and East is East have played at The Rep to audience and critical acclaim.

Khan, who was raised in the Small Heath area of Birmingham to a migrant family, understands the theme of outsiders which forms a crucial part of Steinbeck’s celebrated novella.

Speaking of the new production, Khan said: “I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck.

“I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production, that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”

Of Mice and Men runs at The Birmingham Rep from Saturday 18 March – Saturday 8 April