A gripping new production of Steinbeck’s classic novella comes to the Octagon this spring and we are delighted to reveal the full cast and creative company.

This must-see production, directed by Derby Theatre Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Sarah Brigham, comes to the Octagon from Wednesday 26 March – Saturday 12 April and is a co-production with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake.

Of Mice and Mentells 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.

The full cast includes: Jeff Alexander as Crooks (Cymbeline and The Duchess of Malfi for the RSC, Romeo and Juliet for Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shawshank Redemption for Bill Kenwright UK Tour and Of Mice and Men for Newbury Watermill plus Brief Encounters,Last Tango in Halifax, Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road for TV); Emma Charlton as Curley’s Wife(Beauty and the Beast for Harlequin Theatre Big Top and previously part of Derby Theatre Youth Theatre with credits including A Christmas Carol, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland); Tom Fletcher as Carlson (Oliver Twist for Tobacco Factory, Drac & Jill for Wardrobe Theatre, Little Womenin Black for Wardrobe Theatre, and Extraordinary on TV for Disney+); Liam King as George (Romeo & Juliet for Shakespeare's Globe, Macbeth for Royal Shakespeare Company, An Edinburgh Christmas Carol for Royal Lyceum Theatre, Pinocchio for Citizens Theatre); Rob Maloney as The Boss (A Clockwork Orange and Titus Andronicus for Action to the Word and Soho Theatre, All Creatures Great and Small for Bill Kenwright Ltd., Absent Friends for Devonshire Park Theatre plus Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Casualty and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story for TV); Afton Moran as Whit (Ghost Off! and Ness for A Play, A Pie and A Pint/Sanctuary Queer Arts, Faun for Cardboard Citizens/Theatre503/Alphabetti Theatre, Sex Education Xplorers for 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 (Magic Goes Wrong in the West End for Mischief Theatre/Kenny Wax, The Mousetrap for Adam Spiegel Productions, The Things We Do For Love for The Old Laundry Theatre, Cornish for Jam First Theatre); Stefan Race as Curley (Let the Right One In for Manchester Royal Exchange, Cherry Jezebel for Liverpool Everyman, Wendy and Peter Pan for Leeds Playhouse, plus Eric, G’wed and Temple for TV); Luke Richards as Lennie (Steven Berkoff's East for 5064 Productions, Failure Studies for Precarious Theatre/GM Fringe/Camden Fringe, Nuns of Fury for Rocket Whip Productions plus Alma's Not Normal, Disaster Dates and Ringside for TV); Ben Wilson as Candy (Macbeth and Oliver Twist for Leeds Playhouse; Three Billy Goats Gruff and Chicken Licken for Derby Theatre, AMidsummer Night’s Dream fo ther Royal Shakespeare Company); and Wiliam Young as Lennie (Of Mice and Men for Birmingham Rep/Leeds Playhouse/Fiery Angel, Enter the Robots for Hijinx, Mission Control for Hijinx and National Theatre Wales, Boho for Hijinx and Theatr Clwyd).

The role of Lennie will be played by Wiliam Young and at certain performances by Luke Richards. Casting of William Young is in association with Access All Areas.

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).

Of Mice and Men is still as potent and timely now as it was when it was first published in 1937. With themes of prejudice, migration, and friendship, this play—which is based on Steinbeck's beloved novella—continues to touch and speak to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Of Mice and Men plays at the Octagon Theatre Wed 26 March - Sat 12 April.