Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, written in 1955, tells a tale of lies and self-delusion - set across an evening in a bedroom of Big Daddy's plantation home.
The evident restlessness of his son, Brick, and the desperation of Maggie's shrill insistence that their marriage is still alive and kicking at the start of the play are symptomatic of much deeper and less talked about problems. These rise to the surface as the evening progresses, showing the family for what they are. The one thing you can't gloss over in Williams' plays are the accents. They have to be spot on and, from time to time, they did slip. This does detract from the action on stage, but on the whole I found the cast convincing and confident. Louise Brighton as Maggie has a virtual monologue at the start. After five minutes I could understand completely why Brick locks himself in the bathroom. It's the first time I've seen Trevor Burton in a serious role, he should do more. Eric Mawer is a considered Big Daddy. Angela Goymer as Big Mama is truly impressive in action - her humiliation as home truths are thrown at her is complete. The intensity and the heat of this piece are not just down to the lighting and the writing. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof runs at the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich until Saturday, 25 November, 2006. For more details call 01603 620917. | 
