10 May 2012
Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell lead a wonderful cast in this double bill. Rattigan’s own Harrow School and Hare’s own Lancing College provide the backdrop for two moving and resounding stories, one told through the eyes of a master, one through the eyes of a boy. Both revolve around unexpected acts of kindness which place the harsh worlds of these schools into stark contrast.
South Downs, a new play by Hare (shown above) was my favourite. A very touching story acted amazingly well by the strong cast... Alex Lawther stole the show with his incredibly honest portrayal of 14 year old John Blakemore, a tormented boy in a world that does not understand him.
The Browning version, a classic by Rattigan (shown below) was first performed in 1948. This was ok, acting was bang on - just felt a little stayed compared to it's younger counterpart.
Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell in the browning version
10 out of 10 and 7 out of 10
