[Ad-gifted] The Stoke Repertory didn’t disappoint with such a fantastic performance last night. The story by Arthur Miller of All My Sons is a complete classic and was well-performed.

Putting together such a renowned may appear to be an easy choice for a volunteer-led amateur theatre company Stoke Rep Players, however, don’t think you are coming to a simple take on this iconic play – you will in fact find a professional quality production, sets that will blow you away and acting that allows you to be totally immersed in the performance.

See what we thought in the second theatre review of the day here at Yeah Lifestyle.

What I thought of All My Sons by Arthur Miller

Last night I was at Stoke Repertory watching a Stoke Rep Players performance. What a night… I love arriving at the Rep where you feel so welcome although it’s small, there is plenty of room to unwind and get ready to watch the show. I did happen to forget my glasses last night but I knew not to worry as this is a cosy and brilliantly laid out theatre which meant I could see everyone perfectly even though I was seated quite far back!

All My Sons is based on the true story of the Wright Aeronautical Corporation which made defective aeroplane parts and conspired to get them sent out during WWII – Miller used this to create a breakdown story of the American Dream, where the two factory owners have been accused – and one found guilty – of sending out faulty plane parts that inevitable get used and kill 21 pilots during the war. The story takes place in the yard of factory owner Joe Keller (Ian Birkin), who has been exonerated. He has one son at home and one believed to be missing in action. During the course of the play, you explore how all the characters, Kate Keller (Jane Procter), Joe’s wife, his son Chris Keller (James King), have their quite and seemingly settled life turned upside down with the arrival of Joe’s factory partner’s daughter Ann Deever (Elena Fox) and his son George Deever (James Dawe). As secrets begin to spill the story takes on a tragic turn and is filled with suspenseful anguish. If you want to find out what happens head to Stoke Rep and enjoy the show, but for now let’s talk about the overall performance.

I am always surprised by the level of production at the rep based on the fact that most of the crew of volunteers give up that time to create such powerful dramatics. Last night one of the performers was taken ill suddenly before yesterday’s show, and was replaced with another actor who had to read the lines while performing – however, it was done in such a way that the replacement, Laura Harvey playing Sue Bayliss (the neighbour of Joe Keller), looked as though she was reading a book/novel and interacted with the other characters by looking up and chatting – it worked brilliantly. It didn’t let the play down in any way, showing how well directed and produced it was, equally, credit to the other actors who all worked together seamlessly.

In every performance there are always stand-out actors and last night, for me, it was James King playing the role of Chris Keller and Elena Fox playing Ann Deever – they were such a believable and complex couple. The performances of Mr and Mrs Keller were brilliant and managed to execute the dramatic scenes with ease and conviction. However, their accents were not as polished as some of the other performers. Having said that they did not take away from the drama they created through the characters they portrayed – I could really feel their plight. The other actors included Mr and Mrs Keller’s neighbours Sue Bayliss (performed by an excellent replacement) and Dr Jim Bayliss (Phill Barratt) and on the other side, neighbours Frank Lubey (Ciarnan Roberts) and Lydia Lubey (Emily Tunnicliffe) who add another dynamic to the emotionally weighted cast of the Kellers’. Finally, a young boy Bert (Evan Bailey) gives you a sense of how the Kellers had gotten caught up in their own lies. Although Bert is only featured twice you may think his role unimportant but his presence shows the breaking point within the family…

Once again, I had a great evening at Stoke Rep and would recommend watching All Our Sons which is on until Saturday, and be sure to check out their other performances throughout the year if you aren’t able to make this one, as they are an affordable way to access quality plays that are very well acted and produced.