A View from the Bridge at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Director Lindsay Posner’s stellar revival of A View From The Bridge is a strong reminder of why this play remains one of Arthur Miller’s finest. A deeply relatable story that utilises merciless dialogue to expose humanity at its most fragile, it explores the darkest reaches of where desire, misguided care and poverty can lead.

The plot centres around the working-class Carbone family living in a poor neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York. Their lives are based around scouring for work on a daily basis. Eddie (Dominic West), the man of the house, prides himself on being an honourable man who laboured his whole life to bring up his niece, Catherine (Nia Towle), as well as he could. But as the narrative progresses, it is quickly revealed that he is a troubling father figure who smothers his niece’s aspirations and ignores his wife, Beatrice (Kate Fleetwood).

Eddie is a highly complicated character. A hard worker, he has sacrificed much of his life for his family. But at the same time, he refuses to recognise his own jealousy and spite, which he hides behind a thick veil of supposed caring. West’s performance is stunningly diverse. Despite his many contradictions, blatantly ridiculous arguments and sometimes violent outbursts, he manages to elicit sympathy. We feel with him; we understand where he is coming from and despair when he yet again fails to live up to his own standards. It’s a wonderful delivery by West throughout, and he is supported by an equally outstanding wider cast.

The set and costumes by Peter McKintosh evoke old-fashioned American city life, acutely summoning up the period A View is set in. With largely grey, drab costumes set against the subtle, dim lighting by Paul Pyant, one can practically sense the mundanity and squalor of the characters’ circumstances.

Posner’s production is simply masterful. Despite the heavy-going themes that are often difficult to stomach, A View from the Bridge is a must-see with magnificent acting, beautifully evocative designs and Miller’s haunting writing that won’t leave any audience wanting for more.

Michael Higgs
Images: Johan Persson

A View from the Bridge is at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 22^nd May until 3^rd August 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for A View from the Bridge here: