ALL MY SONS. To 22 November.
Colchester
ALL MY SONS
by Arthur Miller
Mercury Theatre To 22 November 2003
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat 2.30pm
Runs 2hr 20min One interval
TICKETS: 01206 573948
www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 18 November
Initial concerns are overcome by the fine central performances in an ultimately gripping production.A peaceful American garden in a 1947 suburb: lives turned upside down in less than 24 hours as a single story flares towards its inevitable end: this is Greek tragedy, in contemporary American flesh. Arthur Miller shows the tactical skill of a popular storyteller, and the strategic vision of a classical dramatist. If Matthew Smith's production causes doubts at first sight, that's partly due to Michael Vale's set, exposing the Keller backyard on an otherwise stripped-back stage (emergency exits clearly visible); house and garden are reduced to bare outlines a green floorcloth and high rectangular wall-block, over-symbolic poppies sitting in for roses.
The aim may have been classical simplicity, but the set denies Miller's neighbourly cosiness, only slightly soured by suggestions these decent people accept Joe Keller, despite believing he sent defective plane engines to the American forces, then lumped the blame on his business partner.
Soon, the play and fine central performances, take hold. Paul Moriarty's Joe moves from sociable heartiness to nervous questioning when he fears approaching truth, descending to bleary-eyed shapelessness as the crisis looms, before assuming a besuited, cigar-puffing appearance of confidence to avert the blow. His slithering retreat along his own garden bench as his son rounds on him sums up Joe's final defeat.
Good work from others near the crisis centre, Philip Ralph moving between easiness and vigour as Chris's ideals are challenged, Timothy Mitchell having an awkward fury that re-ignites just as its suspicions are lying to rest. Mitchell brings a magnetic intensity to George, son of Joe's imprisoned partner, indignation and revenge jostling happy memories of this garden and, especially, the kindness of Joe's wife.
Kate initially seems lost in her inability to accept her son Larry's wartime death, hanging on to horoscopes. Christine Absalom reveals the troubling secrets this loving wife endures to keep the family going, awareness of Joe's complicity lying behind her tenacious belief Larry's alive.
She, too, learns a truth; Absalom's fine performance, whether providing forced cheer, grasping at dreams or erupting in a spasm of sudden fury, is a jewel in what becomes an absorbing evening.
Joe Keller: Paul Moriarty
Dr Jim Bayliss: Andrew Maud
Frank Lubey: Toby Longworth
Sue Bayliss: Shuna Snow
Lydia Lubey: Emma Penrose
Chris Keller: Philip Ralph
Bert: Corin Bruce/Sean Tricker
Kate Keller: Christine Absalom
Ann Deever: Gina Isaac
George Deever: Timothy Mitchell
Director: Matthew Smith
Designer/Costume: Michael Vale
Lighting: Helen Morley
Voice coach: Charmian Hoare
2003-11-19 10:18:10