Ash J Woodward’s video projections add punctuation.' 'Laura’s cherished collection of glass animals stands in a sleek case that looks as if it belongs in the foyer of a boutique hotel. Writing about the production more widely, he noted: 'Since Williams steered clear of naturalistic stage directions, Herrin and Vicki Mortimer, the set designer, allow themselves free rein. 'All praise to Adams, nevertheless, for taking on a role that has tested many an actress.' Whether the gambit works is another matter.

The new production is directed by Jeremy Herrin, who has previously overseen productions of Wolf Hall, Uncle Vanya, Labour of Love and People, Places and Things.Ĭlive Davis of The Times also awarded, external The Glass Menagerie three stars, writing: 'The casting of the Hollywood luminary Amy Adams. She pressures her restless son Tom (who also narrates) to help find a partner for his shy and vulnerable sister Laura. The Glass Menagerie tells the story of single mother Amanda Wingfield, who obsesses over her children's future. He said the some aspects of the sound and set design were less effective, while some other characters were under-played. 'What Adams catches in her determined radiance and subtle gestures is the female equivalent of Arthur Miller’s Willy Loman: someone going through the motion of coping but in dire need of some good news.'īut Cavendish was less positive about other aspects of the production, awarding the show three stars. 'It’s clear, simple, believable, and quietly heart-breaking in its contained vulnerability.' 'To be blunt, I loved her performance,' wrote The Telegraph's Dominic Cavendish, external. However, after the Glass Menagerie's opening night on Wednesday, some critics said her West End debut finds the actress at the top of her game. Adams, who has yet to win an Oscar despite being nominated six times, has previously starred in films such as Arrival, American Hustle and Vice.įilms she has starred in more recently, such as The Woman in the Window, Hillbilly Elegy and Dear Evan Hansen, have been less well-received commercially and critically.

Amy adams in the glass menagerie