AN ADAPTATION of the classic novel Of Mice and Men is coming to Salisbury Playhouse this month.

Written by Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck and based on his own experiences in the 1920s, it tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning their own ranch.

With nothing but the clothes on their back and a dream, the wily and bright George aspires to independence, to be his own boss and most importantly to be ‘somebody’.

Gentle giant Lennie aspires to be with George, but as the saying goes - the best laid schemes of mice and men, often go awry.

Director Guy Unsworth says: “Of Mice and Men is one of the great American stories that has stood the test of time. It’s not only about the Great Depression in 1930s rural America but a timeless tale of loyalty and the struggles for survival in a cruel and competitive world. For me it is also one of the most beautiful stories ever told - both heart-warming and breaking at the same time. I fell in love with it when I studied it as a teenager, so it’s always been on my bucket list to direct, and when I mention the title, so many people have a great fondness for it too. I can’t wait to bring it back to the stage.”

Richard Keightley (The Mousetrap, St Martin’s Theatre) stars as George alongside Matthew Wynn (Hamlet, The Almeida; Measure for Measure, Young Vic) as Lennie.

“It is one of those universally themed plays. We all connect with it because of the economic uncertainty we’re in,” says Wynn, who plays George.

“Lenny and George have a dream to get a place of their own,” he adds. “Ultimately, it all goes wrong.”

Wynn says the role of George is one he has always wanted to play after reading the book about 20 years ago.

He says the production has stayed true to the novel, adding: “Steinbeck did actually write the novel with the intention of it being on the stage. The dialogue in it is pretty much word for word.”

Wynn, who has not performed in the Playhouse before, says he is looking forward to bringing the production to the city. “Hopefully they will enjoy it. It will make you cry.”

Completing the cast is Andrew Boyer (Candy), Cameron Robertson (Slim), Darren Bancroft (Carlson), Kevin Mathurin (Crooks), Harry Egan (Whit), Kamran Darabi Ford (Curley), Rosemary Boyle (Curley’s Wife), and Robert Ashe (The Boss).

Of Mice and Men runs in the Main House from Monday (March 5) until March 10.

Tickets: 01722 320333 or going to salisburyplayhouse.com