Of Mice and Men — Brisbane Arts Theatre

Overview

You've probably heard the saying "the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry," but do you know its history? It was coined by Scottish poet Robert Burns, and provides the name of a novella written by The Grapes of Wrath's John Steinbeck. That text has also been turned into several films and plays, which is why you probably keep coming across the titular phrase.

So, quick primer over. Now, it's time to see just how those famous words come across on the stage. Brisbane Arts Theatre is kicking off their 2017 season with their take on the tale of farmer George and his pal Lennie, their depression-era dreams and the way their hopes don't always turn out as planned.

Pondering friendship, kinship, kindness and more, Of Mice and Men runs from January 14 to February 18, with the cast treading the boards from Thursday to Sunday. The play itself has proven quite the hit since it first graced a New York stage in 1937 — it won best drama at the awards that preceded the Tonys, and the 2014 staging featured James Franco and Chris O'Dowd.