THIS is another first-class production from Bolton Little Theatre.

The stylish direction by Audrey and Jim Lias ensures that the maximum tension is maintained as layer upon layer of family secrets are peeled away.

Arthur Miller's play reveals how two brothers have different perceptions and knowledge about how life was before their father died. As they meet to deal with the sale of his furniture they face each other's painful reality.

Bob Howell is superb as Victor, the brother who sacrificed an academic career to care for his father. His perplexity and hurt when his motives are questioned is brilliantly portrayed.

An equally strong performance comes from Mark Bloomfield as Walter who has got on in the world but at considerable cost to his private life and his conscience.

Carole Berlyne as Victor's wife maintains the high acting standards in this production. She beautifully combines a mixture of love for and irritability with her husband.

There's a scene-stealing performance from Michael Haworth as the furniture dealer Gregory Solomon. He gets most of the laughs in his almost Greek chorus-like role as he interrupts conversations and comments on the situation. It's a brilliant interpretation.

Congratulations to those involved in the set creation. The intimate Forge Theatre is used well to show the clutter of furniture collected over the years. The harp -- a "find" by Audrey and Jim Lias -- is an integral part of this. Doreen Crowther REVIEW

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