Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse bring us this “intensely personal” Arthur Millar play, All My Sons, directed by Carole Carr.

The play centres around the Keller family, a family suffering from the unknown fate of one of their sons, Larry, who has been reported “missing in action” three years previously.

The father, Joe, played by David Beddy, had been acquitted of supplying faulty cylinder heads for combat planes, during the war, and left his business partner take the blame.

The daughter of the business partner was the Keller’s son Larry’s sweetheart, Annie (Katie Cullen) who after the incarceration of her father had moved to New York City with her mother. In the play, we see her return to her childhood hometown and into the bosom of the Keller family. Some of whom are delighted by her visit, while others are reminded so much of their loss by her return. Larry’s brother Chris (Tom Broughton) is still living at home and is working with his father. He has plans to marry Annie and not everyone is happy about it – this triggers a spiraling of emotions as the truth finally sets itself free.

This play is about versions of truth, relationships and community. Although this play is decades old, there is so much that is relevant today.

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, once again demonstrates to us that they have talent in abundance. This cast is truly superb. David Beddy plays the strong yet vulnerable Joe Keller perfectly. One minute we love him, the next we see him as a victim and then we hate him and then we grieve for him. Exceptionally portrayed by Beddy.

Tom Broughton is a beautiful Chris Keller, he commands the audience and has great chemistry with the equally talented Katie Cullen as Annie. Brigid Henningway plays the anxious and heartbroken Kate Keller perfectly. She walks the fine line of villain and victim magnificently. The entire cast is spectacular.

Although it isn’t an easy play to watch at times and it’s hard to say that it’s an enjoyable story, it is important. It’s a story that Miller wrote with purpose, as he did with everything he wrote. We learn through his script that we are all versions of ourselves, and that things are not always as they seem.

Bravo, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, once again you bring us great theatre in such a truly professional way.

All My Sons is running until Saturday 19th November at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse tickets available here.