Of Mice and Men, National Theatre Live

Of Mice and Men recently closed on Broadway, after a sellout run. With the combination of Hollywood actor James Franco, Irish comedy actor Chris O'Dowd, and the literary clout of Steinbeck's classic American novella, it is unsurprising that N.T Live have chosen this as the first Broadway show to broadcast across cinemas as part of the former artistic director Nicholas Hytner's initiative to make theatre more accessible.

Seeing the show on a big screen may be a boon, given Franco's performance as the taciturn George is very subdued and feels more suited to the close ups offered by cinema than the stage. It is O'Dowd who shines, as the gentle but simple Lennie, proving himself an accomplished dramatic, as well as comic, actor.

These two leads are directed Anna D. Shapiro, whose previous work includes another exploration of American cultural identity, August: Osage County, which you may have seen at the National Theatre in 2008. This is a unique opportunity to see an acclaimed production from across the pond with all the comfort and convenience of your local cinema. While you may lose to the inimitable atmosphere of the stage, you will gain the intimacy of close ups and subtly in the live performances.

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