You usually have to go to the West End in London to see it but Eastbourne audiences had the chance to experience such a drama this week at the Devonshire Park Theatre.

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is playing just six venues before it opens in London and Eastbourne Theatres managed to capture one of them.

Brenda Blethyn is a superb actress. Playing Amanda Wingfield, the domineering mother who had entertained many Gentlemen Callers she was a joy to watch. But equally good was Emma Hamilton as her shy, crippled daughter whose one love in life is her menagerie of glass animals. The two men, Mark Arends as her brother Tom and Andrew Langtree as Jim, Laura's Gentleman Caller deservedly shared the limelight.

Braham Murray's production held your attention from beginning to end and although it was almost three hours long it didn't seem like it. It took place on one of the best sets I have ever seen designed by Simon Higlett.

Eastbourne Theatres are giving us better and better productions but this is one of the best. The fans of Devonshire Park deserve the best and this week they got it. Musicals dominate the West End at the moment but I am sure this is a straight play that will pack them in. Well done Eastbourne for letting us see it first.

Amanda Wilkins

The Glass Menagerie, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. Until Saturday October 4.