Emotionally, Laura Wingfield is as fragile as the glass animals she treasures.

She has no yearning to get work or have “gentleman callers”

with a view to getting a husband as her mother Amanda desires.

In contrast, her brother Tom feels trapped – by his parent, his job, his life.

Nothing much happens in this melancholic work set just before the Second World War but for Laura even the small things are momentous.

A visit by one of Tom’s work colleagues, a former schoolmate she once had a crush on, gives you the hope of a happy ending for the young woman.

Just four members of the Newport Playgoers Society cast take to the stage for this period piece by award-winning American playwright Tennessee Williams and they all gave sterling performances.

Rosemary Bissex as Amanda balanced the role perfectly. Living on her past glories, talking about the husband who deserted them, smothering her children, her flaws are plain, yet you understand that she does really love her children and wants only the best for them.

Lauren Brown is poignant as the delicate Laura and Martin Phillips who, as Tom, is also the narrator, makes you empathise with his frustration.

Peter Morgan plays the visitor who brings a different, happier atmosphere to the small St Louis apartment, albeit too briefly.

There are some lovely touches from director Russell Walker including the magician shadow and the use of the environs just beyond the stage.

The Glass Menagerie can be seen until October 24.