Glengarry Glen Ross review – Mamet’s gender-swapped motormouths fail to close the deal

The Old Vic theatre in London is hosting Patrick Marber's revival of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," which features an all-female cast. This production, directed by Marber who also directed last year's all-male Broadway revival, reimagines Mamet's 1980s drama about aggressive Chicago real estate salesmen. The play's premise centers on unequal sales leads and the increasingly unscrupulous tactics employed by the characters in their pursuit of success. Mamet himself reportedly suggested the concept of an all-female version, a surprising departure for a playwright known for portraying a specific era of American masculinity. The production's wardrobe and staging emphasize that the female ensemble are embodying masculine roles, creating a dynamic where they are pitted against each other. The review notes that the revival amplifies the comedy and the performance of masculinity, though it suggests this approach sometimes veers into territory reminiscent of "Bugsy Malone."