The Winslow Boy

Terence Rattigan’s forensic dissection of British fair play takes a loving family almost to breaking point. Written in 1946 but set just before 1914, its universal themes speak just as loudly today. This polished play is stacked with clever argument, period detail and brilliant, Wildean wit. The cast convey their characters’ plight perfectly and with surprising comic timing, all the while avoiding any hint of caricature. John Tolputt (the amusingly pedantic, fair-minded but failing father) and Simon Messingham (the tongue-tied solicitor) excel. So does Colin Elmer, playing Morton the Barrister like Jeremy Brett as Holmes. He is glamorous enough to imply a possible romance with Emma Hutton (the empowering sister). The confrontation with Louis Mallen-Curtis (the unwary Boy) is magnificent.

New Venture Theatre, 21 February 2014

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