All My Sons Review: The Cost of War Echoes Loudest at Home
Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Paapa Essiedu lead a powerful revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, proving classic theatre still has the power to unsettle and move.
3 min read
Review at a glance: ★★★★★
It has been a while since the West End has produced a play as deep and as meaningful as All My Sons. Written in 1946, the play has been adapted and performed many times over, but with such a star-studded line-up, it has finally found its way to Wyndham’s Theatre, just outside Leicester Square station.
The production remains largely faithful to Arthur Miller’s original story. Joe Keller, played by Bryan Cranston, is a wealthy industrialist who served time for knowingly supplying faulty aircraft parts during the Second World War, a decision that resulted in the deaths of 21 US pilots. He has since rebuilt his life and reputation by placing the blame on his former business partner, Steve Deever.
The war’s consequences, however, continue to shape the Keller household.
Kate, portrayed by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, clings to the belief that their son Larry is still alive years after his disappearance, while their surviving son Chris, played by Paapa Essiedu, prepares to propose to Larry’s former fiancée Ann, now returned to the family home and carrying her own unresolved ties to the past.
Never the drama kid or theatre aficionado growing up, the confusion of theatre reared its head early on. Within the first ten minutes, audience members were laughing at jokes that either went over my head or simply came from Bryan Cranston’s mouth.
Arguably, it is hard not to want to join in. In front of you stands an A-list star who has featured in some of the most iconic shows of this generation.
The show does eventually settle down soon after as the plot and characters begin to develop into their respective roles. The connection between Cranston and his fellow performers is apparent, and his role as the heroic father figure anchors the entire cast. Every conversation, every interaction draws you deeper into the personal relationships of the characters and builds on the complex family dynamics of the period.
One of the arguments towards the end between Cranston and Essiedu was one of the most powerful scenes of acting I have seen in my life. The easiest way to describe it is somewhat reminiscent of that famous Fresh Prince of Bel-Air moment between Will and Uncle Phil after Will’s father leaves him. Although entirely different in script, the embrace between Joe and Chris Keller had the audience on edge. It was raw, emotional, and deeply affecting.
All My Sons is currently being performed until 7th March.
Liked this? Check out our review of Devil Wears Prada
