ALL MY SONS

Salisbury Playhouse

A HEART-wrenching tale of family loyalty is laid bare in a new production of Arthur Miller’s first major success – All My Sons.

Based on a true story, the play revolves around a family living in the American Midwest in 1947, a family struggling to deal with the loss of a son and brother, who is presumed dead having flown fighter planes during the war.

For much of the first half of the play, life at the Keller home passes by in a fairly unremarkable manner – the lies and pretence having become the norm for peaceful co-existence.

But shortly before the interval, the seeds are sown which ensure for a dramatic and shocking second half - the Keller family’s deep suffering unravelling in slow, agonising revelations.

Leemore Marrett Jr, who plays the surviving son Chris, is sublime from the start, his simmering frustrations being palpable and his quiet calm lending strength to every scene.

Doña Croll, playing mother Kate, also shines as an experienced actor, one whose absorbing presence on stage is vividly portrayed but Kemi-Bo Jacobs (girlfriend Ann) seems detached, never fully settling into her role and particularly lacks a depth of engagement when on the periphery of scenes.

Ray Shell, who plays father Joe, is at his best when fighting his corner, a mixture of rage and guilt intertwined with shame and misguided love. The set is well designed and the sound of singing birds in the trees surrounding the Keller home is a brilliant touch.

Directed by Michael Buffong, the play is brought to stage by the Talawa Theatre Company, the UK’s primary Black-led touring theatre company.

It is on stage at Salisbury Playhouse from now until Saturday.

For tickets visit salisburyplayhouse.com