A
View from the Bridge - reviewed
Written by Clive Fuller, website user |
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View from the Bridge |
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Clive
Fuller, a 91热爆 Birmingham website user, went to see 'A View from the
Bridge' at the Rep.
The production runs until 18th October before going to the West Yorkshire
Playhouse. Read Clive's review below.
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The autumn season at the Birmingham Rep continues with a powerful
production of Arthur Miller鈥檚 Brooklyn drama originally presented
in 1955 and in which violence, sexual tension and close to home subjects
like illegal immigration all mix in an explosive caldron.
The outstanding set, which is designed by Simon Higlett whose list
of credits for London and regional productions is now longer than
my arms, draws the audience into its world of squalor, distrust and
secrecy.
The atmosphere is heightened by the clever use of stage smoke, which
adds to the grime of the streets.
The play is directed by Toby Frow and he manages to create something
on stage which will be remembered for a long time and which will rank
as one of the finest productions of recent years.
The fight scene at the close of the play was directed by Malcolm Ransom
and its visual impact left the stomach churning!
Certainly the audience enjoyed the entire production and as I left
I heard many saying how brilliant it had been.
The cast are all superb but as with any Miller text there are some
great character parts.
The visually frightening dockworker Eddie whose sexual interest in
his niece was just a little too close for his own good, was wonderfully
played by Corey Johnson. His long-suffering wife was played most knowingly
and convincingly by Abigail McKern.
The source of all the sexual turmoil came in the part of Catherine
and was given a most believable performance by Shauna Macdonald.
The immigrants were played by Mido Hamada and Jonjo O鈥橬eill and they
were both the most wonderful of characters, but it has to be said
that Jonjo was outstanding as the blonde haired Italian and focus
of Eddie鈥檚 hatred and frustration.
Our narrator throughout the play was the lawyer played by Richard
Durden whose interjections provided a balance to Eddie鈥檚 behaviour.
The production spends a month at the West Yorkshire Playhouse after
Birmingham and after such a fine collaboration I hope we will continue
to see these two fine theatres producing such great drama.
Clive Fuller
| Details
of A View from the Bridge |
For
more about the production, dates and tickets details click
here.
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