Directed by Josh Holden, Arthur Miller’s classic drama, ‘A View From the Bridge’ is being performed this week at the Players Theatre in Cheadle Hulme. First performed in 1955, it must be acknowledged that to take on such a classic tale is a brave undertaking for any amateur theatre company. However, one thing that is certain is that this award-winning group are consistent in their passion to produce quality productions.
Set near Brooklyn Bridge, the story follows ‘Eddie Carbone’, a working-class longshoreman and the arrival of his wife Beatrice’s two cousins who arrive illegally from Italy and stay with them in their apartment. Eddie had also become fixated by his wife’s niece ‘Catherine’ and struggles to keep his complicated feelings to himself. The struggle deepens as Catherine falls in love with ‘Rodolpho’, one of his wife’s cousins. The story continues to a dramatic ending as Eddie loses a grasp on the reality he believed about his life.
‘Eddie’ is played by Dan Pothecary who he had by far the most central role on stage. Pothecary demonstrated much stage presence as a traditional working-class longshoreman living in the slum area of Brooklyn. With a good effort at a Brooklyn accent and a consistent air of agitation about him, Pothecary was well cast as Eddie Carbone and gave a thoroughly energetic performance at times, throwing himself into different aspects of Eddies personality.
The part of ‘Catherine’ is performed by Sarah Morgan. Morgan demonstrated Catherines devotion to Eddie and although perhaps a little ‘understated’ at times in her relationship with Rodolpho she dealt well with the way her once ‘admiration’ for Eddie started to decline. Chris De Mercado performed as ‘Rodolpho’, a charismatic Italian. De Mercado executed this role well, standing out with his blonde hair and flamboyance and interacted well with Morgan as they fell in love.
Cate Berry as ‘Beatrice Carbone’, Eddies long suffering wife, was consistent throughout in her part as she dealt with different aspects of Beatrice’s personality. She was exasperated at Eddie whilst trying desperately to support Catherine and she carried this off well on stage.
The story is narrated by ‘Alfieri’, played by John Wild. Alfieris narration alongside his role as an American Lawyer (however was raised in Italy in the 1900’s) was essential in bringing the story together and his direct narration to the audience at the front of the stage was well executed. All that separated these two cultures is demonstrated clearly through this narration.
A special mention must go to Bruce Taylor who played the part of ‘Marco’. Always interesting to watch a quieter role that simply stands out even when they are not speaking. With much stage presence he came across as a ‘strong silent type’ and was superb throughout.
The set was simple and based on Eddie and Beatrice’s home in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Sophie Halls image of Brooklyn Bridge used as a backdrop to the stage must also be applauded.
As a general comment it could be suggested that it is a challenge to carry out accents in a play such as this and it would be fair to suggest that some accents were stronger than others, however it did not detract from the story.
‘A View from the Bridge’ is an intense story about challenging relationships and essentially pride within a family. The Players perform the story to a high standard and execute the key themes perfectly. Without doubt Millers ‘A View From the Bridge’ will always be a great story but it is the Cheadle Players who tonight brought this story alive.
On until Saturday 16th March ‘A view from the Bridge’ is one not to miss from this wonderful and extremely welcoming theatre. Tickets can be purchased on the website via: www.playersdramatic.co.uk/tickets
Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 11th March 2024
North West End UK Rating: