Review: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, Old Vic Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Glengarry Glen Ross was written over 40 years ago by David Mamet. The story focuses on a real estate team closing lucrative deals, fighting over the best leads and competing with one another to be on top.

The play, having also been made into a film in 1992, remains relevant today. It explores whether we live to work, or work to live. The punchy dialogue captures a toxic workplace environment, commenting on the relentless and all-consuming culture, where power and aggression are key, with a focus on hierarchy and the competitive nature of the corporate world.

In this iteration, Patrick Marber introduces a twist on the original as all of the characters are played by women. The idea of this is exciting, especially for a play set in the 80s. However, it’s important to note that the characters are played by women, but remain male. A decision has been made here to keep the script unchanged, with male pronouns and names (Richard and John, for example), which means that the gender divide is never fully explored.

A full gender-switch, with female characters (as well as actors), would provide a fuller opportunity to challenge gender expectations whilst exploring how dynamics and power take shape when in an all-female environment.

There is some impact from the switch, as there are occasions when a female delivering lines takes on a different meaning, particularly for those who’ve seen the play or film previously, for comparison. Alongside the spotlight on toxic workplace culture, this feels interesting and current. Unfortunately, this does not last as the audience is regularly reminded that the characters are men. This means that the gender-switch doesn’t pack the punch it could.

Within these parameters, the whole cast are outstanding. The dialogue is pacy and often humorous. With great chemistry, the back and forth nature of the script allows the cast to really bounce off one another, with a simple set design allowing the actors to shine.

Rosa Salazer delivers the standout performance as Richard Roma. Her timing and physicality are impressive, switching seamlessly between aggression, warmth and humour without ever appearing like a caricature: an outstanding performance. Indira Varma is also superb, bringing passion and heart to the role of Shelley, strutting about the stage, making most of the ‘in the round’ set up. Nancy Crane and Niky Wardley bring welcome humour to the show, and Dorothea Mayer Bennett plays the exasperated office manager role convincingly. The cast are strong, and it would be great to see them playing the female versions of these characters.

With huge scope for a more in-depth analysis of female dynamics in a cutthroat corporate environment, Glengarry Glen Ross feels like a missed opportunity for this stellar cast.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

Glengarry Glen Ross plays at London’s Old Vic Theatre until 18 July, with tickets available here.