John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men on stage

Apowerful portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship and what it means to be human comes to Tunbridge Wells this week. The new adaptation of Of Mice and Men brings to the stage a magical and imaginative story, as relevant today as it was when John Steinbeck wrote it.

The classic tale by the Nobel Prize winner is staged by Selladoor productions in association with the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, and premiered at the theatre in January.

Now it continues its 10-week UK tour at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Set in the Great Depression, it tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning their own ranch. Director Guy Unsworth said: “Of Mice and Men is one of the great American stories that has stood the test of time.

“It is not only about the Great Depression in 1930s rural America, but is 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 heartwarming and breaking at the same time.” He added: “I fell in love with it when I studied it as a teenager, so it’s always been on my bucket list to direct.

“This is the play that Steinbeck wrote – the original. It was an experiment to see if he could write a play in novel form. He didn’t like reading plays, so he did it in the style of a novel.”