The Winslow Boy

Written in 1945, Terence Rattigan's play "The Winslow Boy" is based on the true story of a young Royal Naval College cadet, expelled without trial for stealing.  Set in Edwardian England, this is a powerful and thought-provoking play about a father, whose love and belief in the innocence of his youngest and favourite son is paramount.  As a result, he is prepared to take on the British justice system and Government of the day, despite all the emotional and financial consequences this has for the family.

For Director Don Cooke, this Water Lane Theatre Company production was a personal triumph. He had played the part of Ronnie Winslow back in the 50's, which then set him on the path of his life-long love of amateur theatre.  In this production, young 13 year-old Ben Sudworth, as Ronnie Winslow, gave a confident and convincing debut performance; his interrogation at the end of Act 1 by the masterful Barrister, Sir Robert Morton, well-played by Richard Pink, was particularly memorable.  Ben was fortunate to be supported by such a great cast of the company's talented actors, who individually and collectively brought both drama and humour to the play, the action moving along briskly between the brief scene changes.

Amanda Green, in her role as daughter Kate Winslow, admirably portrayed the young Edwardian suffragette, determined to support her Victorian principled father Arthur, well-characterised by Granville Rush, in his fight for justice, even though, ultimately, she is forced to break off her engagement to John Watherstone, well-played here by John Bell, who bends under his father's will to distance himself from this scandalous family. Michael Beavan, another newcomer to the company, in the role of the elder son, Dickie Winslow, an under-graduate at Oxford and a wastrel, gave a good character performance, as did Nancy Jones, as the family's maid Violet, particularly in her recounting of the final day's court trial proceedings and hard-won verdict.

As the family's mother Grace Winslow, Pat Bastin portrayed well the loving parent, devoted to all her three children and prepared to support them at all costs, although sometimes in conflict with her strong-minded husband, particularly in his relentless pursuit of justice for their boy, despite his failing health.  Doug Sheppard gave a touching performance as the family's slightly bumbling solicitor, Desmond Curry, secretly in love with Kate Winslow, the scene of his final declaration of love for her poignantly portrayed.  Nice cameo roles by Ellie Sims as the newspaper reporter Miss Barnes and Paul Dodkins as her cameraman Fred, completed the strong cast.

The production team, under the guidance of Carys Sullivan, the delightfully pleasing Edwardian sitting room set, designed by John Johnson-Cook, the atmospheric lighting and good, solid sound and effects provided by Caroline Mackrill and Andy Cope, the numerous props provided by Paul Dodkins and some lovely Edwardian costumes from wardrobe by Nicky Maquire, all combined in making this an extremely enjoyable and riveting performance.  Well done!

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