FEW stories with an almost exclusively male cast have the ability to warm the heart through touching tales of friendship. Macho pride often stifles emotion in real life and on stage.

But the Fervent Theatre's adaptation of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is touchingly real in its portrayal of the male reaction to life and death.

The actors shine in this tale about two friends' dreams of a permanent roof over their heads.

The friendship between hardened dreamer George (Tom Wedemire) and simple-minded Lennie (Ian Gofton) illustrates the male bond as they move between dead-end jobs. George seems almost brutal as he impatiently dismisses Lennie's constant badgering.

But he always tells Lennie about how they will fulfil their dream of living "off the fatta the land".

The pair's caring relationship is the backbone supporting the trials and tribulations thrown at them as other characters enter their lives.

As relationships develop, the disturbing scenes become more so because we see a rare sight in men emotion.

This is not shown openly but instead the audience understands the characters' macho words are signs they care.

The 1930s' California setting is illustrated well with branches and leaves scattered across the stage and lapping at the audience's feet.

However, it is difficult to gauge the timescale the story unfolds over and is hard to know whether the pair are at the ranch for days, months or years. It would have helped the story if this was clearer.

But the play has grasped the male emotions which so many of us do not see and used them to tell a classic tale well.

Of Mice and Men runs until December 22, at the Broadway Studio Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford.

Performances at 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, matinees on Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm . Tickets cost £7 £10. Call 020 8690 0002 for more information.