Cast announced for 'timeless parable' Of Mice and Men at Leeds Playhouse

Tom McCall and William Young will play the key roles of George and Lennie in a new stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel Of Mice and Men at Leeds Playhouse from 11-27 May.

Directed by Iqbal Khan, who directed the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the show is a co-production between the Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Fiery Angel.

Tom McCall (Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Netflix; RSC Live: Titus Andronicus) said: “Playing George in Of Mice and Men truly is a dream come true. I can’t wait to begin the journey of discovering this fascinating character with the director, Iqbal Khan, and the team.”

Wiliam Young added: “I'm ecstatic to be playing Lennie again. I played him in Chapter, Cardiff in 2017 with August 012 Theatre Company. He reminds me of Roald Dahl's BFG.

“I was born with a rare brain condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which means I find it easy to get into Lennie's mindset. I'm doing this for all the other people with learning disabilities who love to act but haven't had the opportunity to land any professional roles yet.”

The cast is completed by James Clyde as The Boss, Simon Darwen as Slim, Maddy Hill as Curley’s Wife, Edward Judge as Carlson, Reece Pantry as Crooks, Stuart Quigley as Whit, Lee Ravitz as Candy and Riad Ritchie as Curley.

Director Iqbal Khan said: “I’m so excited to be working with a great and diverse company on this timeless parable from Steinbeck. I look forward to creating a beautiful and generous production that embraces all who experience exclusion in challenging times.”