The Winslow Boy

First production in the newly refurbished and re-seated Little Theatre, and what a joy to be able to get into the seats if tall, even though the seating capacity reduced.

And what a worthy play as this first production: the set and dressings were outstanding and details for period ideal and offering perfect background for the action. And the wardrobe team must have worked hard to produce such an excellent and delightful costume plot to enhance this production. Mind you, not surprised as Peter Howell as director is always a perfectionist in attention to detail, and brought together an excellent cast for the action.

What an enjoyable semi-cameo role for Gill Kerr as Violet, the slightly under-polished but family-loving parlour maid, a real gem of a role as she relished the Winslow family and especially young Ronnie, and she pointed the comedy lines to the full.

The title role and the young man of the court case, expelled Ronnie Winslow home in the rain unexpectedly, Caius Law from Sheringham High School was a slight 13 year-old and definitely looked the part, obviously loved to the full by family but apprehensive of the outcome although stalwart to the truth, he maintained his character throughout all the actions and time span but won eventually.

I did not know until the end of the production that Janet Hignett had undertaken the role of Grace Winslow at two weeks’ notice due to a recasting, always a good actress and how good she was in the role as supportive wife and adoring mother to Ronnie, plus good relationships with the other children. She portrayed the tensions well in the changing style of life and material wealth as the evidence and court-case proceeded.

What a find in Paul Minett, moving into the area, as Arthur Winslow, strong and principled and determined not to be undermined or beaten but to see through for justice, a very strong character as he accepted the restrictions to life as lived and health when undergoing this trial. Relationships with Grace, Ronnie, and especially his daughter Catherine who was of similar opinions, were very strong and positive, those with the less reliable son Dickie did resolve in the end, and his determination to engage Robert Morton could not be swayed, a performance to admire.

These two older children gave strong performances, Neil Robertson as Dickie the typical fun loving undergraduate not really working, excellent relationship with his siblings, loved the dance sequence with sister, and eventually settling into a lesser ambition. Emmie Wright as Catherine was striking in attitude and stalwart of character, outspoken, a suffragette of principle and totally supportive of her father in his battle even though it meant heartbreak for her, this was a very well expressed and dominant performance and so vital to the balance of the production.

The two suitors to Catherine totally opposite ends of spectrum: her fiancée John played by Matt Scantlebury was typical Edwardian with the views of his class, the support from his father necessary, but the affection not strong enough to survive the attention and possible scandal, a role perfectly observed. And the older admirer, Desmond Curry from Carl Denis with his offer to save Catherine’s face and reputation from the jilting, so affectionately and supportively played even though he knew there was no love.

In the smaller roles from the newspaper, Philippa Bailie was much more interested in the curtains than the court-case offering a moment of amusement to relieve the tension, and Mark Webster with his 12 words in the scene.

And as a role to desire, to be so dominant and centre stage when in the room, almost overwhelming all else on stage with his presence, Gary Clifton as Sir Robert Morton was outstanding as the barrister for the family. After the initial interrogation of the boy and the decision to take the case, his determination for justice and right shone through and the dialogue was mesmerising in the delivery, his relationships with the boy, the father, and his deep interchanges with the sister were at the focus of this tale based on a true episode.

What a play as my first for 2019, certainly setting the benchmark for all that follow to a very high standard to match, excellent.

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