The cupboards are full of metaphorical skeletons. Director Howard Davies, who two years ago directed the acclaimed production of The Iceman Cometh in London and on Broadway, has revived Miller's play in a tense and exciting production. Joe Keller was involved in a scandal whereby aircraft parts were patched up and passed as fit for use when they were patently faulty and, in a kind of karmic revenge, the Kellers' eldest son has gone missing whilst flying abroad. Kate Keller, Joe's wife is in denial, she refuses to believe that her son will not be found alive. The catalyst to bring these issues to a head isAnnie, their missing son's fianc e who, after Larry's disappearance, has formed an attachment to the Kellers' remaining son Chris.
Lightning fells an apple tree, a tree planted for their missing son.
It is a haunting beginning and under Davies' direction helps us to empathise with this woman and to understand why she refuses to give up hope that her son is still alive even though we don't for one momentbelieve that he will actually return. Julie Walters' excels as Kate Keller, a matriarch, mother not just to her own children but to the neighbouring children as well. Tall, blonde Ben Daniels is a gentle Chris, flawed by his idealism and his implicit belief in his father. James Hazeldine as Joe Keller conveys an ease in burying his guilt. It is a particular pleasure to watch the interaction between Catherine McCormack as Annie and Kate.