Camp Theatre Company Presents

The Browning Version

By Terence Rattigan

In the centenary year of Sir Terence Rattigan’s birth, this new revival of his classic drama is as relevant to a 21st Century audience as it was when it was first presented in 1948.

Arthur Crocker-Harris is a failed schoolmaster at an English Public School.

As ill health forces him into early retirement he confronts his inadequacies both as a teacher and a husband. Yet, as he faces up to his deficiencies, he finds unexpected support from two unlikely sources.

A poignant tale of a life unfulfilled, Rattigan’s script strikes a chord with all who have known failure and despair yet leaves the audience with the possibility of hope.

The Camp Theatre Company was founded in 1994 and has produced over 30 productions in the South West to great critical acclaim.

FRIDAY MARCH 16th 2012 - 7:30pm

Review

Sterts, near Liskeard

Review by Dennis Wilkins.

THE CAMP Theatre Company in common with other talented, small theatre companies spawned in Cornwall is one to watch.

This play is a must for anyone with the slightest interest in drama. Set in a public school, the central character, Andrew Crocker-Harris, is an ailing senior master seemingly completely out of kilter with his pupils, wife and colleagues, badly treated by the authorities and trapped in a poor marriage. Yet decency, compassion, humour and defiance lurk in the most unexpected places.

The cheating wife is well portrayed by Ruth Vallance and the young Taplow by Alex Hall. To say that the headmaster is an unfeeling, manipulative louse would be something of an understatement and Stephen Hall, plays the part very convincingly.

The 'Crock' is a great character and Steve Jefferies, who also directs, plays the character with his usual sympathy and is a pleasure to watch. His teacher colleague, Frank Hunter, is played well by David Kinnair.

The director and his assistant, Hugh Parker, have done an excellent job in creating this production. Such has been the audience response that plans are afoot for the production to tour small theatres and community halls in the South West during spring 2012.

The Camp Theatre Company has built up an extensive fan base in South East Cornwall and further afield for the very good reason that it consistently delivers on quality. If it comes your way do not miss the opportunity to see an excellent revival of one of Rattigan's finest plays. You will not be disappointed in this latest offering.

The play is currently touring Cornwall and Devon.