Norwich Playhouse

Tennessee Williams second hit takes 1940s' New Orleans as its sweltering back-drop. This is a play of eloquent speeches and raw animal energy.

My memories of the famous film version with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh are of Stanley Kowalski as a cave man type with big muscles, whose sheer passionate force wins the heart of his repressed young wife, Stella.

Stella has a cultured, would-be upper class sister, Blanche Dubois, who falls on hard times and moves herself into their two room appartment. This upsets the balance.

Differences flare up between the three, revealing lust and madness and leading to no salvation for anybody.

Roger Parsley takes a new slant on the play in his production with Transaction Theatre Company at the Playhouse.

David Reeves as Stanley has none of Brando's deep-voiced swagger, he's more of a cornered fighting cock with a streak of quick cunning.

Blanche Dubois (Louise Brighton) is less majestic and more human: led by her emotions just as much as the bully she despises.

There are some strong cameo moments from Judi Daykin as Eunice, and Catherine Gill was a compassionate Stella.

A show which kept me in its spell.