Brilliant acting by Talisman cast in A Streetcar Named Desire
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Streetcar Named Desire written by Tennessee Williams, directed by Chris Carpenter, at The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth from 18 – 23 May 2026.
Review by Ann Evans
The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth take us on an emotional journey down to New Orleans as Blanche DuBois arrives at the shabby apartment of her younger sister Stella Kowalski and her husband Stanley. It’s late spring 1947 and the weather is already sultry, the locals are messing about and drinking on the streets; bluesy jazz music plays in the background. Stanley is heading off to the bowling alley with his friends and Stella has gone to watch.
Blanche looks totally out of place, as if she’s used to better places, and she doesn’t change her opinion when the upstairs neighbour, Eunice (Aoife O’Gorman) lets her into her sister’s apartment. Eunice’s husband Steve (Paul Sully) is one of Stanley’s friends, but while Stanley rules the roost in his own home, Eunice wears the trousers in their household and takes no nonsense from Steve – dragging him home by his ear when necessary!
Blanche and Stella are happy to see one another again, despite Blanche’s criticism of Stella’s life, believing she could do so much better in both her lifestyle and her husband. And from the very start it’s brutally obvious that Stanley dislikes Blanche immensely as a person, but the physical attraction towards her lies just under the surface.
It soon becomes apparent that Blanche isn’t doing as well as she makes out and the stories she tells them are concocted to fool them or are downright lies. Blanche also has a drink problem, and the whisky bottle is rarely out of her hands.
The character of Blanche is portrayed brilliantly by Jo Banbury. Her Southern Mississippi accent never falters and considering she is pivotal throughout this three-hour production, she has a massive number of lines to learn and delivers every one with clarity, authenticity and emotion. Likewise, Paige Phelps plays the role of Stella perfectly – a wife who dotes on her husband, surviving in a volatile relationship, forgiving him every time he loses his temper with her, Blanche or his friends. Also, the relationship she has with her sister is a deep love for her, despite everything that happens.
Richard Morelli is also brilliant in this role of fiery, quick tempered Stanley Kowalski whose outbursts of violence and rage are shocking, and the tension generated between him and the two women in his life makes for an atmosphere that holds the audience spellbound.
As the story unravels, we discover more about Blanche’s past, which is far from the image she tries to portray. She begins a relationship with one of Stanley’s friends – Mitch played by Dean Sheridan, who seems kindly and treats her with respect - at the start anyway. Meanwhile Stanley’s resentment and anger towards her boils over, and even the fact that his wife is having a baby does not deter him from destroying Blanche’s reputation – and her life in every way possible.
Great acting by every member of the cast, but especially Blanche, Stella, Stanley and Mitch - they all play their roles with tremendous passion and commitment, so credit must also go to the skilful direction of Chris Carpenter. There isn’t a dull moment throughout this play. The New Orleans blues music adds to the atmosphere, even the smooth set changes are well choreographed to be almost unnoticeable. It’s quite a long play but one packed with drama, tension and emotion – humour too in places.
If you get the chance to see this, you won’t be disappointed. A tremendous production!
For tickets visit: www.talismantheatre.co.uk. Box office 01926 856548.
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