Men Should Weep

Josie Rourke directs Ena Lamont Stewart's moving and funny portrayal of impoverished 1930s Glasgow.

The play, a raw salute to the human spirit, was written in 1947; it was voted one of the top hundred plays of the 20th century in the NT2000 millennium poll.

Despite cramped tenement living and the turmoil of seven children, there is laughter and strength in the Morrison family. Tough and tender mother Maggie, one of the great stage roles for women, just about holds together her unruly brood against wretched poverty. But sniping neighbours, the flight of daughter Jenny, and the unexpected return to their overcrowded quarters of Maggie’s son and his sexually restless wife erode her spirit.

And then, just as temporary employment for beloved husband John affords a decent Christmas, wayward Jenny returns with new-found wealth, offering them the chance of escape and one big moral dilemma.