23 July - 8 August 2026
Written by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Geoffrey Borny
Preview Thursday 23 July (followed by a Q&A with the cast and director)
Season: 24 July– 8 August 2026
Evenings 7:30pm: Wed – Sat
Matinees 2pm: 1, 2, 8 August
MEDIA
Step into a world where raw human reality meets the enchantment of the stage. In this insightful piece, Canberra Arts Editor Helen Musa explores how theatre unearths profound truth wrapped in the captivating disguise of artistic illusion. A must-read for every theatre lover and seeker of magic. Read all about it: Theatrical truth in the ‘pleasant disguise of illusion’
Nicholas Fuller corresponds with director Geoffrey Borny who writes: “While the acting version is a superbly drawn portrait of individuals, the reading version is both a portrait of individuals and, symbolically, an image of the human condition". Read all about it: Williams expert brings rare Glass Menagerie to Canberra Rep
REVIEWS
"Canberra REP’s production of The Glass Menagerie is a splendid Tennessee Williams showcase performance, directed by a master of playwright’s works and performed by a cast that embrace the essential humanity of the play’s characters. The times change, but Borny’s production of The Glass Menagerie teaches as does any great work of the stage that human nature is not defined by the passing of time but by the actions of humans.
If you are a theatre lover, a student of theatre and acting or a teacher and student of dramatic literature do not miss this opportunity to see a true production of Tennessee Williams’ classic memory play"
--Peter Wilkins Canberra Critics Circle
"The meticulous direction by Geoffrey Borny has achieved a fine level of realistic performances from his cast."
--Len Power Canberra Critics Circle
". . . very worthwhile for audiences to see and experience something of high significance for theatre and from a director who really understands and appreciates the cultural and historical value of the play:
--Joe Woodward CityNews
SYNOPSIS
In an absurd world, the ultimate victory is to discover the means to survive in it.
Amanda Wingfield (Victoria Tyrrell Dixon) lives vitally in a romanticised past, while her daughter Laura (Jamie Johnston) retreats into a comforting world of glass animals. Tom (Rob de Fries) dreams only of adventure and escape, and Jim (John Whinfield), a gentleman caller has total faith in the American Dream.
The play is Tom’s guilt-ridden memory of his family during the Depression in the late 1930s. Tom’s wryly humorous memories are not ‘realistic’. Music and visual effects underscore the characters’ dialogue. The director Geoffrey Borny agrees with Blanche DuBois in Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire when she says “I don’t want realism, I want magic!” This magical play is a moving tribute to the fragile illusions we create just to give meaning to our lives.
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORIGIN (TM) Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Inc. - A Concord Theatricals Company
CAST
Amanda Wingfield: Victoria Tyrrell Dixon
Laura Wingfield: Jamie Johnston
Tom Wingfield: Rob de Fries
Jim O'Connor: John Whinfield
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
Thursday 23 July, 7:30pm Preview (followed by a Q&A with the Cast & Director)
Friday 24 July, 7:30pm Opening Night
Saturday 25 July, 7:30pm
Wednesday 29 July, 7:30pm
Thursday 30 July, 7:30pm
Friday 31 July, 7:30pm
Saturday 1 August, 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 2 August, 2:00pm
Wednesday 5 August, 7:30pm
Thursday 6 August, 7:30pm
Friday 7 August, 7:30pm
Saturday 8 August, 2:00pm & 7:30pm
TICKETS
Standard — $50
Concession (Full Time Student, Concession Card, Seniors Card) — $42
Members — $38
Under 30s — $25
Group (6+) — $42
Preview — $20
All web and Telephone sales are subject to a $4 per transaction Booking Fee
