The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester – until 29th April 2023
Review by Rebecca Hampson
4****
Based on the original play by the incredible Tennessee Williams, this modern take on the classic, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof wows at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Set in the summer in Mississippi, we experience the suffocating house in which Maggie grapples with her failing marriage. I took my best friend and Tennessee Williams number one fan with me to review this play and her initial response: “I think I just watched my new favourite version of Cat” and I would have to say I agreed with her.
Ntombizodwa Ndlovu was the most incredible Maggie. From the staging, vocals and costume she accompanied everything Maggie was about and delivered every line with such conviction. As an audience member I found myself feeling such empathy for Maggie as she tries so desperately to save the relationship with her husband Brick, played by Bayo Gbadamosi.
The Greek chorus style singing of Rihanna’s ‘B***h better have my money’ was one of my favourite moments in the show and added a new and yet still relevant moment to the play.
I also enjoyed the multi role from both Danielle Henry who played Mae and Daniel Ward who played Gooper. As well as their primary roles they became Gooper and Mae’s children which I found highly amusing.
This was an incredible modern take on the much loved classic and I highly recommend for anyone who loves Tennessee Williams.