All My Sons ★★★★★ Wyndham’s Theatre | Until March 7, 2026


Bryan Cranston’s star shines brightly in Ivo Van Hove’s splendid revival of Arthur Miller’s 1946 masterpiece. Cranston is a completely compelling presence as Joe Keller, the kindly older businessman who plays imaginary games with neighbourhood children. His portrayal is simply remarkable as this pleasant veneer is peeled away and the war profiteer and self-serving sophist beneath it are revealed. The games he shares with the children echo the ones he plays with his family and friends, whom he draws into colluding with his pretence of innocence and with the web of rationalisations he has spun for his past actions. Miller’s work carries an epic weight that Van Hove captures with his sparse staging, and Cranston’s performance evokes the moral authority and emotional force of Greek tragedy. As Joe’s wife, Kate, whose belief in her husband is tied to her certainty that her son survived the war, Marianne Jean-Baptiste also gives an unforgettable performance. The strong cast is completed by Paapa Essiedu as their naive and moralistic son Chris, and Hayley Squires as his would-be fiancée, who chooses to accept her father’s guilt rather than face the darker truth. For the most part, this production uses music effectively to shape the atmosphere and support the key moments of the drama, although the Leonard Cohen interlude feels somewhat heavy-handed. The costuming raises questions as well. It is hard to imagine Second World War veterans wearing earrings, long hair, hoodies or modern trainers. At times these details may distract, but they do not diminish the overall impact of this first-rate interpretation of Miller’s monumental play. Van Hove offers a striking reimagining, and Cranston delivers an award-worthy performance.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Jan Versweyveld

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA, UK

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