Cast announced for Of Mice and Men

09 Jan 2025 | Press Release

This Spring, Hull Truck Theatre will present Of Mice and Men (Wednesday 5 March - Saturday 22 March) in collaboration with Derby Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Theatre by The Lake to tell John Steinbeck’s gripping tale of friendship and hope.

Of Mice and Men tells the story of Lennie and George - two drifters who embark on one heart-breaking journey. The unlikely best friends are bound together with a shared faith and the ambition to live the Great American Dream. This play is a compelling story laced with tragedy…a must-see production for anyone who has ever tried to pursue a long-held dream.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

“Of Mice and Men is the second of our three-year project with our regional partners Derby theatre, Octagon Bolton and Theatre by the Lake to bring audiences powerful classic stories to our stage. Containing themes of social exclusion based on race, disability and gender, Of Mice and Men explores difficult topics relevant to the time period in which the play is set which still resonate today, making it as potent and relevant as when it was first written” 

We are thrilled to announce and introduce the cast and creative team for Of Mice and Men. This stellar company includes: Jeff Alexander as Crooks, known for credits such as Cymbeline and The Duchess of Malfi (The RSC) Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Shawshank Redemption (Bill Kenwright UK Tour) and Of Mice and Men (Newbury Watermill). TV Credits include: Brief Encounters, Last Tango in Halifax, Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road.

Rob Maloney will star as The Boss, theatre credits include: A Clockwork Orange and Titus Andronicus (Action to the Word and Soho Theatre), All Creatures Great and Small (Bill Kenwright Ltd) and Absent Friends (Devonshire Park Theatre). Also known for TV, audiences may recognise him from starring in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Casualty and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Stefan Race will perform as Curley, the son of the ranch’s boss. Theatre Credits include: Let the Right One In (Manchester Royal Exchange), Cherry Jezebel (Liverpool Everyman), Wendy and Peter Pan (Leeds Playhouse). TV credits include: Eric, G’wed and Temple. Emma Charlton will perform the only woman on the ranch, the role of Curley’s Wife, Theatre credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Harlequin Theatre), Big Top, A Christmas Carol, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland (Derby Theatre).

Tom Fletcher will play aggressive labourer Carlson. Theatre credits: Oliver Twist (Tobacco Factory), Drac & Jill (Wardrobe Theatre), Little Women Black (Wardrobe Theatre), and Extraordinary on TV (Disney+). Playing the elderly character of Candy, will be Ben Wilson. Theatre credits include: Macbeth and Oliver Twist (Leeds Playhouse); Three Billy Goats Gruff and Chicken Licken (Derby Theatre), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company).

Afton Moran will bring all the drama with the character of Whit, he has performed for Ghost Off! and Ness for (A Play, A Pie and A Pint/Sanctuary Queer Arts), Faun (Cardboard Citizens/Theatre503/Alphabetti Theatre), Sex Education Xplorers (Independent Arts) plus Not Seeing Straight: Celebrating Queer Art and Lives, 68 Months in Waiting: Scenes For Survival and Ghost Light for film/TV/audio. Laurence Pears as Slim, a character who despite his intimidating appearance, has a sensitive side. Lawrence is known for performing in Magic Goes Wrong in the West End (Mischief Theatre/Kenny Wax), The Mousetrap (Adam Spiegel Productions), The Things We Do For Love (The Old Laundry Theatre), and Cornish (Jam First Theatre).

Finally, the role of Lennie will be played by Wiliam Young. Known for starring in Of Mice and Men (Birmingham Rep/Leeds Playhouse/Fiery Angel), Enter the Robots (Hijinx), Mission Control (Hijinx and National Theatre Wales), and Boho (Hijinx and Theatr Clwyd). Liam King as George, credits include: Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare's Globe), Macbeth (Royal Shakespeare Company), An Edinburgh Christmas Carol (Royal Lyceum Theatre), and Pinocchio (Citizens Theatre).

The role of Lennie, as stated above will be played by Wiliam Young and at certain performances by Luke Richards. Luke has performed previously in Steven Berkoff's East (5064 Productions), Failure Studies (Precarious Theatre/GM Fringe/Camden Fringe), Nuns of Fury (Rocket Whip Productions) plus TV credits; Alma's Not Normal, Disaster Dates and Ringside.

The Of Mice and Men creative team includes: John Steinbeck (writer); Sarah Brigham (Director); Jess Curtis (Set and Costume Designer); Simeon Miller (Lighting Designer); Ivan Stott (Composer and Sound Designer); Esme Sears (Assistant Director); and Liv Barr (Casting Director).

This piece of programming continues the three-year partnership between the regional producing theatres; developing an exciting new strand of programming designed to engage both general audiences and children and young people, deepening the relationship between classroom education and the arts.

Tickets for Of Mice and Men are available now and can be purchased via www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.  Recommended age guidance: 13+. A variety of access performances are also available, and for advisory content warnings, please see the Hull Truck Theatre website.