A View From The Bridge - Bolton/Chichester/Rose

I see they have changed the director.

A really great watch for me at today's matinee at Bolton Octagon. With a run time of around 2hrs 25 mins (Act 1 = 80 mins, Act 2= 45 mins with a 20 min interval), director Holly Race Roughan and her team have put together an engaging and powerful piece full of tension and emotion that doesn't let up the entire time. Somehow, I have managed not to have any dealings with this classic Miller play either at school or any stage version, so as my first contact with this play was a really positive one today. The issues that the play deals with are still relevant today as they were when Miller wrote the play and gives the audience plenty to think about after watching it.

The set design from Moi Tran is very simplistic and sparse with a single swing at the edge of the stage and a few plain black chairs (and 2 record players) used by the cast dotted around the stage. Thankfully there is some visual interest with a balcony and stairs to provide a 2 layered set. There is a mirror-finish floor that helps give the idea of  water around the docks and a big red neon sign saying "Red Hook". For me the absence of any big set pieces worked well in that it allows the text and performances to be front and centre in this production and making full use of the performance space. Costumes (also from Tran) are of period design. 

The lighting and sound design from Alex Fernandes and Max Perryment respectively work really well here in helping to turn up the tenion and emotion as the play's tragic events play out (especially so in the final scene).

A fantastic cast has been assembled here each playing their part in bringing Miller's work to the stage.  The trio of Jonathan Slinger (Eddie), Kirsty Bushell (Beatrice) and Rachelle Deiedericks (Catherine) work really well together as the family. All the cast portray their characters as fully rounded and believable (with convincing Brooklyn accents). The changing relationships and family dynamics between the three are a joy to watch and all 3 command the stage with their performances. Shout out to Nancy Crane as Alfieri who keeps a watchful eye on proceedings either from the back of the set or from the balcony as the family is torn apart. 

Whilst Act 1 is of a slower pace, the more powerful and devastating Act 2 more than makes up it. Despite the tears and emotional high drama, thankfully there are moments of light and humour to help give proceedings a balanced tone. 

The only criticism I would have with this production is the addition of a pirouetting docker that pops up every now and than. I wasn't too sure how this helped to move the narrative forward. Personally, I don't think it was needed and could of been dropped without any detriment to the overall production.

Having a read of the online reviews, the critics / bloggers are giving this a 4-5 star rating. After today's visit, I really can't argue with this and settled on a 4 star rating from my visit.

Go and see this in Chichester or Kingston if you can. I only saw the 2014 Ivo Van Hove's production before and remember how tense it was. This production you get a mixture of tension and absolute tragedy, because what starts off as a car crash in slow motion for Eddie turns into a pile up for everybody.

The cast is mostly outstanding. I went to see this for Jonathan Slinger and whilst I'm not sure where I'd put him next to Mark Strong, Slinger once again reminds me what a great actor he is. His accent isn't the most natural next to the others but he digs deep below Eddie's multi-layered surface. There comes a point in the first act where he is telling Catherine that Rodolpho only wants her to get his citizenship where his macho, man of the house persona cracks and Slinger shows vulnerability and desperation that slowly takes over him as the play goes on, and I saw what a tour-de-force performance he was giving.

Kirsty Bushell is consistently strong next to Slinger. Beneath her bravado you feel her frustration and fear for Eddie. You also sympathised for Nancy Crane's Alfieri trying to dissuade Eddie from his self-destructive path. You're not only watching the pile up happen, you're with all these characters trying to avoid the tragedy unfolding by the end. Even the supporting actors get a chance to shine like Luke Newberry as Rodolpho in his scene with Catherine.

If there was one performance that didn't stand out it for me it would be Rachelle Diedericks as Catherine. She gave a good performance but the others outshone her.

One of the best shows of the year.

Overall found this rather unremarkable. Some good moments delivered by a pretty substantial cast but overall the piece struggled to fill the Festival space. The amount of empty seats didn’t help things along either sadly. I’d be keen to see another Miller in the space - will be interesting to see what Justin programmes in the new year. 3* from me

For those who've been, how would the far side view seats be for this?

Was none of the secret seats left for today or next sat so I’ve risked a £15 seat at the side. I usually go for similar at Chichester so I’m sure ittl be fine.

Luckily I had booked left hand side and you’re right! It was a really good view with just a few of the elevated moments missed. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially when it all picks up in the second act. Well worth a watch.

I missed that train for two minutes, was so annoyed lol. I loved the show today- I got lucky with my random cheap seat and ended up in stalls row D, it was a perfect view. I had never seen this play before and thought it was great, enjoyed this as much as the Crucible, to me equally powerful, left me quite emotional. all the actors were perfect, can't really find anything bad about this. 

OH Wow! That is incredible!!! 
I hope to get the opportunity to see more of his plays. 
Yesterday I happened to be sitting behind Rachelle Diederick's family, they must have felt so proud of her yesterday (and in general). Only knew it was them because lady next to me got chatting with them.