Atri Banerjee’s acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece The Glass Menagerie, first seen at the Royal Exchange Theatre, returns to UK stages, starring Geraldine Somerville (Gosford Park) as Amanda. Currently showing at Malvern Theatres, The Glass Menagerie will be showing in London at the Rose Theatre from April 17th. Also showing at Alexandra Palace from 22 May – 1 June.
Tom escapes a suffocating home life through cigarettes and long visits to the movies while his sister, Laura, withdraws into her records and collection of glass animals. But their mother, Amanda, harbours dreams for them far beyond their shabby apartment. When Tom brings home a potential suitor for Laura, Amanda seizes the opportunity to try and change their fortunes forever.
Atri Banerjee’s acclaimed production reimagines Williams’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, exploring the intimacy and intensity of the complex web of love and loyalty that binds families together.
Natalie Kimmerling plays Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. Kimmerling trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Her theatre credits include: The Tempest (RSC); Henry V Schools Tour (Donmar Warehouse); and War Horse UK and International Tours (National Theatre). TV includes: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (Netflix).
You just hit the road touring The Glass Menagerie, how is it going?
It’s going really well so far. The audiences have been very generous and I think it’s so nice we’re able to take this show to all these venues. I’m really looking forward to the rest of tour.
What drew you to work on the project?
It’s such beautiful writing. Tennessee Williams wrote such interesting characters in this play and I was instantly drawn to Laura. After my first chat with Atri and Darren, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of Laura being a much stronger and less fragile character than she has so often been portrayed as. I love a project that will challenge me and this one certainly has, there is so much to unpack in the script and there are so many options and ideas that pop up, it really gets the creative juices flowing,
What’s it like taking over a part in an existing production?
I’ve not actually thought about that too much, as actors it can be quite tough to know you’re coming in to an already existing show. You don’t want to feel like you’re copying another performer’s choices, but this doesn’t feel like it’s the exact same show, we’ve been able to find our own character dynamics and flow.
What elements of the character of Laura are like yourself and how is she different?
Ooh good question! I have an active imagination like Laura, I can get lost in my own world constantly and I love doing things that my family would probably consider odd and unconventional (I paint miniature figurines in my free time). I would also happily walk around a park for hours just watching the world go by.
I am very different to Laura with regards to her mental health. I have, very fortunately, never suffered from anxiety and I am comfortable talking to strangers; I am the type of person who will happily ask someone out if I like them or compliment a stranger on their outfit. So I would say my biggest challenge has been making sure that I do Laura’s character justice by treating her mental health with careful consideration and empathy. I do believe Laura is probably the strongest character in this show, as she has learned how to cope when stressful situations arise, she knows exactly what calms her down (her music and her glass menagerie) and I would say she is the most content out of all the characters, she accepts that that is the way she is. I think Laura and I are both resilient.
You’ve toured quite a bit before, what are your tips for being a performer on the move?
Always bring a hobby you love doing with you on tour. I’ll bring my paints, my crochet kit and (too many) books with me most places so I can still do the things I love. I’ll also bring some things that will make my dressing room feel more homely, such as a couple of photos of people I love.