The Price. To 28 March.
Nottingham.
THE PRICE
by Arthur Miller.
Nottingham Playhouse To 28 March,
Tue-Sat 7.45pm Mat 21 March 2.30pm 26 March 1.30pm.
Audio-described 21 March 2.30pm 25 March.
BSL Signed 27 March.
Runs 2hr 40min One interval.
TICKETS: 0115 941 9419.
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 12 March 2009.
So timely a revival onemight to believe Giles Croft has been in cahoots with the investment bankers.
As a great fan of Miller, I relish the lyrical eloquence of his writing. This play is ultimately about the human condition – the desire to always have something more than one already does; the materialism that grew with industrialisation and has continued to grow ever since.
On a terrific set, piled high with furniture and the detritus of years of family life, the history of brothers Victor and Walter’s estrangement is revealed. Based on lies and deception and a sheer determination not to face the truth, eighteen years have passed before they find themselves together with the assessor who has been called to put a price on the possessions.
Victor (Robin Kingsland), seemingly the innocent party, is beleaguered by his hectoring wife Esther (Elaine Claxton) to get the best possible price from the assessor but their relationship is one that is slowly peeled back, revealing years of frustration at seeing her husband sacrifice himself and his own happiness and fulfilment for the sake of his father.
Superbly directed by Giles Croft, the subtleties and nuances of Miller’s characters are in very capable hands with this ensemble of actors.
It is the role of Soloman, the assessor, which brings coherence to the piece. Having lived for over ninety years, he can see and say things that the others cannot or will not. Brilliantly observed by Jon Rumney, he at once manages to have remarkable insight, wisdom and comedy - along with the best lines in the play.
Walter: David Beames.
Esther:Elaine Claxton.
Victor: Robin Kingsland.
Soloman: Jon Rumney.
Director: Giles Croft.
Designer: Dawn Allsopp.
Lighting: Nick Richings.
Sound: Jennifer Tallon Cahill.
2009-03-15 03:01:42