EDDIE Carbone is one of the great tragic figures of the theatre - a man wrestling with emotions that he either can't understand or won't admit.

Giving shelter to a pair of illegal immigrants proves the catalyst for a catastrophic series of events that ends in betrayal and death in Arthur Miller's classic play.

Toby Frow's production is every bit as powerful and absorbing as WYP's last show, The Madness Of King George, which has now transferred to Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of a co-production deal.

The Carbone's Brooklyn home is a hotbed of simmering passions, inflamed when Catherine, the niece with whom longshoreman Eddie is obsessed, falls for immigrant Rodolpho. At the same time Eddie's marriage has hit a rocky spot, with Beatrice begging him to treat her like a wife.

Eddie baits Rodolpho about his sexuality, while his lust for Catherine eats away and Beatrice plays off one against the other. An unforgivable act of treachery brings matters to a head.

All this is played out on designer Simon Higlett's magnificent set (which seems to encompass half of Brooklyn) with a suitably bear-like Corey Johnson bringing out the pain and the passion of Eddie. He's backed by a strong supporting cast, including Shauna Maddonald's dutiful but lovesick Catherine and Richard Durden's lawyer guiding us through the action.

* Until November 22. Tickets 0113 2137700.

Steve Prat

Published: 07/11/2003