REVIEW - BROWNING VERSION Etc.

Reviewe by Gail Sjogren

Three for One Night at the Theatre

Three well-known playwrights contribute to this varied program. Before interval we enjoy two short plays, Countdown by Alan Ayckbourn and George’s Room by Alun Owen. While neither play is perhaps as well-written as their author’s better known works, each offers an insight into relationships with considerable humour and understanding.

In Countdown, Haydn Vincent and Jill Dunne portray the underlying frustrations and boredom of a long marriage, while in George’s Room, Meg Ford and Hedley Thomson show what can eventuate when a woman who has long been subservient to a bullying husband meets a gentle and considerate man. The portrayals are all strong as we have come to expect from such experienced actors.

The second half of the program is the well-known Terrence Rattigan play, The Browning Version. Here incisive writing and excellent acting come together. There is humour, certainly, but mostly real emotion and humanity in all its varied guises. Young actor Patrick Shaw is absolutely at home in the role of student John Taplow. Martin McGettigan is the sort of teacher we would all like for our children, in contrast to Paul Rose’s blustering and insensitive Headmaster. Mary-Rose McLaren is totally believable as a disappointed and bitchy wife, while John Daykin and Jacinta Antonelli offer youth and optimism.

But it is Peter Nethercote’s portrayal of the central character which lingers longest in the memory. The dignity with which he faces his failures and the moments when his façade falls and we see the real pain he suffers are extremely moving. We can believe in this man, recognise his faults and weaknesses but mostly feel his pain. This is an outstanding portrayal.

Director Julian Oldfield has used a simple set which, with minor changes, is appropriate for all plays. With such strong performances from all the actors. I am sure audiences will enjoy this program.