THE GLASS MENAGERIE

 

Written by Tennessee Williams

Directed by Geoffrey Borny

Canberra REP production

Canberra REP Theatre, Acton to 8 August.

 

Reviewed by Len Power 24 July 2026

 

Originally produced in 1944, this first play by Tennessee Williams has many autobiographical elements. Pressured to remove non-realistic staging devices from that first production, Williams clearly preferred his original version, eventually publishing it in his Collected Works. This new Canberra REP production provides the opportunity to see Williams’ original vision of the play.

During the Depression in the 1930s, Amanda Wingfield lives in a romanticized past. Her son, Tom, yearns for adventure while her shy, slightly handicapped daughter retreats into a comforting world of glass animals. Conflict arises with Amanda’s unrealistic and overbearing dreams for her children. The story is presented as emotionally charged memories by Tom, who warns the audience at the outset that it is “not realistic”.

John Whinfield (Jim), Victoria Tyrell Dixon (Amanda) and Rob de Fries (Tom)

A strong cast of four bring Williams’ characters triumphantly to life. As Amanda, Victoria Tyrell Dixon gives a touching portrait of this fading Southern belle. Yearning for an era that will never return, she achieves the unique style of this woman through a believable delivery of her dialogue and portrayal of her physical attitudes. Her Jonquils soliloquy is particularly memorable.

John Whinfield (Jim) and Jamie Johnston (Laura)

As the son, Tom Wingfield, Rob de Fries shows a deep and appealing understanding of this dreamer remembering his past. Jamie Johnston gives a sweetly touching performance as the fragile daughter, Laura, and John Whinfield is cooly confident as the Gentleman Caller, Jim O’Connor.

The meticulous direction by Geoffrey Borny has achieved a fine level of realistic performances from his cast. His use of lighting and sound to enforce the memory aspects of the play is particularly successful. Anna Senior’s fine period costumes help to bring the characters to life.

 

Photos by Ross Gould

 

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.