Hellman’s writing is full of witticisms and quips.  The children’s rather quaint English appeals.  Bertie Caplan as Bodo on the night I saw, was fascinating to watch. Fanny asks when she first sees them, “Are these your children or dressed up adults?”  The journey of the play is made by Fanny in terms of her support for her family as she changes from someone who is very self centred to a caring individual.  

John Light is in his element as the manipulative and chilling de Brancovis, a gambler, a Nazi collaborator  and someone who would prefer to settle arguments with a duel.  By contrast Mark Waschke as Kurt Muller is entirely reasonable but the outcome of the play did not please the original American audience.  Caitlin FitzGerald is charming as Sara, understanding her husband’s commitment to the anti-Nazi cause although this has led to them having such a disruptive life, escaping from many different countries.  

Basia Bińkowska’s lovely set has etched views over the Potomac river and is framed by the same detailing as the radio, in an ante room leading to the dining room.  There is period music in the production.  Director Ellen McDougall gets superb performances from her cast and although the plot could be accused of veering towards melodrama, I was gripped by the play.