Death of a Salesman Review Natalie Anglesey



Death of a Salesman

Lowry, Salford

 Until 3rd May 2025


An enthusiastic standing ovation greeted the curtain call  at Lowry, Salford last night so I'd urge you not to hesitate and book your tickets  as soon as possible. I last saw Death Of a Salesman in London sitting behind Arthur Miller, the playwright who created this masterly drama. It was a strange feeling wondering how the American playwright viewed a British production of his work. Now you can see this powerful drama at Lowry, Salford with Scottish star of TV and film David Hayman, in the title role. 

Miller's body of work is unmatched with some of the world's most iconic plays including The Crucible, A View from the Bridge, and All My Sons. Death of a Salesman is widely regarded as his masterpiece and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, cementing Miller’s reputation as a master storyteller who captured the struggles, dreams, and complexities of everyday life. 

Hayman, whom you may have seen in Sid and Nancy, Dad’s Army and Andor plays the major role of Willy Loman, a failed travelling salesman, leading an incredible ensemble cast in one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century. 



 As we witness the final hours of a working man’s life, we share his dreams and expectations as well as the harsh realities he has to face in pursuit of the American Dream. As Willy’s life unravels we live through his heartbreak and struggles and the price of chasing success to impress his family against the reality of life. It’s a powerful performance.

 Joining David on stage there’s a terrific cast who play his family and friends. Beth Marshall is Linda his loving wife, with his sons played by Daniel Cahill (Biff), and Michael Wallace (Happy), Benny Young plays (Charley). Gavin Jon Wright (Bernard), Simon Donaldson (Howard Wagner), Stewart Ennis (Ben), Fay Guiffo (Miss Forsythe), Bailey Newsome (Stanley), and Gillian Massey (Jenny/Letta). There isn't a false note in this production.

This Pulitzer Prize  and multi award-winning classic play is directed with skill by Andy Arnold, one of the most important figures to have emerged in Scottish theatre in the last 40 years. Formerly Artistic Director of the Tron Theatre, Arnold’s work is acclaimed for its boldness and creativity. Known for his unique ability to breathe new life into classic texts and champion innovative new works, Arnold’s direction provides a fresh and compelling take on Arthur Miller’s timeless masterpiece.

The talented creative team includes Vicki Brown (Costume Designer), Niroshini Thambar (Composer & Sound Designer), Rory Beaton (Lighting Designer), and Neil Haynes (Set Designer). This combination of a superb script, beautifully performed  is still a rarity. I urge you to see it while you can. 

 Lowry, Salford Tuesday 29th April to Saturday 3rd May 2025. Age Recommendation: 14+ Accessible performances BSL by Emma Jane Mansfield | Thu 1 May 2025, 7.30pm Audio Described by Caroline Burn | Sat 3 May 2025, 2.00pm. Touch Tour. 1.00pm



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