Arcola Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre presents

The Glass Menagerie

by Tennessee Williams

Directed by Femi Elufowoju jr

“I’m tired of the movies and I am about to move!”

Summer, 1937.

Austerity turns up the pressure on the people of St Louis, for none more so than its African American community.

Crowded amongst the tenements, Amanda Wingfield demands that her two children will lead a better life.

Following his sold-out production of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, for which he won the Off West End Award for Best Director, Femi Elufowoju jr. returns to Arcola with a bold new take on one of the most celebrated plays in American drama.

Nominated for four Off-West End Awards – Best Female Performance in a Play (Lesley Ewen), Best Male Performance in a Play (Michael Abubakar), Best Male Performance in a Supporting Role in a Play (Charlie Maher) and Best Set Design (Rebecca Brower).


★★★★★ “A riveting production...the play’s nuances and realism are breathtaking.”The Londonist

★★★★ “Williams's play looks even more accomplished and well-rounded through Elufowoju jr's vision.”Broadway World

★★★★ “A universal classic...elevated in this adaptation by the excellent cast, sensitive direction and stunning set.”The Upcoming

★★★★ “Elegant, confidently and intelligently done.”The Reviews Hub

★★★★ “Deeply affecting.”Spy In The Stalls

★★★★ “Williams' breakthrough play is executed with aplomb in this fine, and explosive, version.”The Hackney Gazette

★★★★ “[Michael] Abubakar is a marvel.”Everything Theatre

“Lesley Ewen captivates as head of the household Amanda.”WhatsOnStage

“[Naima Swaleh] brilliantly conveys Laura's vulnerability and insularity.”The Times

“A heartfelt and engaging production.”The Guardian

“This revival of an American classic is given new, unfamiliar, and achingly resonant life.”The Play's The Thing

“Gripping and illuminating.”Cultural Capital