The National Theatre revives Ena Lamont Stewart’s 1947 play Men Should Weep, a moving and funny portrait of impoverished 1930s Glasgow.

Despite cramped tenement living and the turmoil of seven children, there is laughter and strength in the Morrison family. Tough and tender mother Maggie 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.

The role of Maggie in this production of Men Should Weep is played by Sharon Small, whose work includes Life Is A Dream at the Donmar Warehouse and Spur Of The Moment at the Royal Court.

Men Should Weep is directed by Josie Rourke, the Artistic Director of the Bush theatre.

For more about Men Should Weep at the National Theatre read the Big Interview with Sharon Small or the First Night Feature.