
A modern makeover for a timeless classic is matched by powerful performances in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.
It was 84 years ago that the complex play was penned and following a successful run at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s summer season in 2023, it has been adapted for the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh until 9th November 2024.
Telling the tale of “posh” southern belle Blanche Dubois (Kirsty Stuart) moving in with “poor” sister Stella (Nalini Chetty) and her Polish husband Stanley Kowalski (Matthew Trevannion), it’s a tale of violence, sadness and sensitivity.
Set in a rundown New Orleans neighbourhood, the three are forced to share a cramped one bedroom flat and it’s only a matter of time before the cracks of being forced together, brings out the tensions.
Pregnant Stella acts as peacemaker as a volatile Stanley gets increasingly irritated by Blanche’s airs and graces and he uses his temper and strength in his bid for power.
Director Elizabeth Newman and her creative team of set and costume designer, Emily James, composer and sound engineer, Pippa Murphy, Jeanine Byrne (lighting) and Robin Hellier (fight director) cleverly work together to bring the storyline up to date with modern life.
The revolving stage literally spins between the fragile world of the apartment and outdoors where Stanley drinks and plays cards with his male friends, while soothing jazz plays in the background.

A spiral staircase splits the stage and reveals the apartment of landlords Eunice and Steve Hubbell (Deidre Davis and Oliver Cookson) who have problems of their own.
Stuart is outstanding as Blanche, a role which leaves her looking emotionally drained at the end of the play. She is excellent as the complex character, who is liked a gilded bird trapped in a cage.
Trevannion is a mean looking and spirited Stanley who uses violence and shouting to exert his manhood and Chetty contrasts well as her naivety and youthfulness is at odds to her husband’s behaviour.
Emotions run high throughout, and Keith Macpherson (Harold Mitchell) adds sadness as his joy at falling in love with Blanche turns to sadness when he finds out the hurt she has caused in the past.
Smaller roles of Patricia Panther (woman), Marc Small (Pablo Gonzales) and Jesse Fox (drunkard/doctor/sailor) complete the cast of this highly watchable and emotional play.
You can check out availability for the remaining performances of A Streetcar Named Desire at www.lyceum.org.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs by Fraser Band
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