From the very start, Tom’s (Laurence Boxhall) role as narrator draws you in. His voice acts as the bridge between memory and reality; not just a storyteller, but someone living through his own recollections. This is a play about remembering and having him guide us gives the performance a reflective intimacy.
The performances are strong across the board. Tom is convincingly haunted, carrying the weight of his remorse and longing. Laura, played with a delicate blend of vulnerability and quiet strength, makes her private world of glass animals feel deeply personal rather than just symbolic. Amanda, meanwhile, is full of force; driven by fear, love and dreams she can’t quite let go of.
One of the most striking features is the design of the set. The apartment feels cramped and worn; the furniture mismatched, the floorboards aged, but in this confined space there is both tension and tenderness. The glass menagerie itself hangs suspended, glowing softly under light, and its fragility becomes a powerful metaphor for the family’s emotional life.
Lighting plays a huge role in shaping the mood. Subtle shifts help move us between memory and immediacy. The lighting changes don’t feel gimmicky, instead they support the story very naturally, adding to rather than distracting from the emotional narrative.
Director Shannon Rush resists modernising or over-stylising the play. Instead, she embraces Williams’ original structure, allowing the tension to build slowly and the characters to resonate. There’s a clear sense that every small object, every gesture, every piece of furniture matters.
Overall, this The Glass Menagerie feels heartfelt and carefully considered. For those who appreciate theatre that honours the emotional undercurrents of a story, this production is deeply rewarding.
State Theatre Company South Australia’s The Glass Menagerie plays at Odeon Theatre until 7 December 2025. Tickets at statetheatrecompany.com.au
