REVIEW - DEATH OF A SALESMAN | THE LOWRY | 29/04/2025

Death of a Salesman is widely regarded as one of the most iconic plays of the 20th century. Written by American playwright Arthur Miller in 1949, it won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, cementing its place in theatre history. The play centres on Willy Loman, a travelling salesman caught in a struggle between his lofty dreams and the harsh reality of his life. Through themes of identity, family expectations, success, and the illusion of the American Dream, Miller crafts a poignant exploration of human aspiration and disillusionment. Known for its groundbreaking structure, the play seamlessly weaves together memory and present-day scenes, revealing the emotional complexities of Willy and those closest to him.

The story follows Willy Loman, a man nearing the end of his career as a travelling salesman. After 35 years of hard work, Willy faces a harsh reality: he's taken off salary and placed back on commission. This shift challenges his sense of self-worth and pride. Holding on to the belief that success comes from being "well-liked," he becomes trapped in a web of self-delusion, straining his relationships, especially with his two sons, Biff and Happy.

As Willy's fragile mental state deteriorates, his memories—both the joyful and the painful—intertwine with his present, creating a disorienting, haunting atmosphere. These flashbacks reveal the emotional rift between Willy and his family, particularly with Biff, whose failure to meet his father's lofty expectations leads to deep tension. Meanwhile, Happy constantly seeks his father's approval, but is left struggling to define his own identity.

At its core, Death of a Salesman examines the destructive impact of Willy's inability to reconcile his dreams with his reality. As he relentlessly pursues success that never materialises, his family is left to cope with the emotional aftermath. Willy’s tragic death marks the end of a life built on false hope, offering a poignant reminder of the fragility of the American Dream and the high emotional cost of chasing unattainable ideals. Through this powerful exploration of family, self-deception, and disillusionment, Miller delivers a timeless commentary on the human condition.

The set is minimal and stripped back. A few chairs, a table, and one strikingly symbolic tree are enough to create the many locations of the play. While this simplicity allows for flexibility, it sometimes felt a little too bare, leaving scenes emotionally charged but visually flat. Lighting by Rory Beaton does a good job helping us move between Willy’s memories and his present, casting soft glows or deep shadows at just the right moments. Costumes by Vicki Brown root the characters firmly in the mid-20th century, with crisp tailoring and details that subtly signal class and ambition—or lack there of. Live music, composed by Niroshini Thambar and performed on stage, is used throughout the show. While atmospheric, the music didn’t always feel necessary and occasionally distracted more than it supported the story.

David Hayman’s portrayal of Willy Loman is nothing short of remarkable. His performance exudes a deep sense of vulnerability, navigating Willy’s fluctuating emotional states with finesse. Hayman’s ability to shift from dry humour to heartbreaking sincerity brings a real humanity to the character, making Willy’s downfall all the more poignant.

Beth Marshall as Linda Loman brings a strong, grounded presence to the production. Her portrayal of a devoted wife, caught between supporting her husband and acknowledging his flaws, is both tender and resilient. The chemistry between Marshall and Hayman adds depth to the couple’s relationship, highlighting the love and tension that binds them.

Daniel Cahill and Michael Wallace, playing Willy’s sons Biff and Happy, deliver performances filled with energy and emotional weight. Cahill, especially, is captivating in his final scenes with Hayman, where Biff’s frustration and longing for reconciliation are palpable. Wallace’s portrayal of Happy brings a lighter, more optimistic energy to the stage, providing a contrast to Biff’s internal struggle.

The supporting cast, including Gavin Jon Wright as Bernard and Benny Young as Charley, also make their mark. Wright’s portrayal of Bernard captures the quiet strength of a character who has grown beyond the mockery of the Loman family, while Young’s Charley offers a calm, steady presence amidst the chaos of Willy’s world.

Death of a Salesman is not a light night at the theatre—it’s intense, thoughtful, and emotionally demanding. If you enjoy slow-burn storytelling and deep character studies, there’s a lot to appreciate here. The themes of self-worth, family pressure, and chasing dreams are all still relevant today. However, the slow pace and minimal staging may not hold everyone’s attention, especially if you're new to this type of theatre.

That said, the cast deliver strong performances—especially during the emotionally charged final scenes—and for those who connect with its themes, this production could hit hard. For others, it might feel like a long journey with a few stumbles along the way.

“A sombre spiral through broken dreams, anchored by a heartfelt cast.”

Death of a Salesman is at The Lowry until Saturday 3rd May 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.