South Downs / The Browning Version

Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell will once again lead the casts in these plays which examine life in boarding public schools; they present two moving and resounding stories, one told through the eyes of a master and one told through the eyes of a boy. Both revolve around unexpected acts of kindness which place the harsh, and at times cruel, worlds of these schools into stark contrast.

'South Downs' by David Hare is set at Lancing College in Sussex where a pin sharp young pupil (Alex Lawther) is cut off from the rest of the school by virtue of his own intellect, background and questioning spirit. The school in response presents an unyielding and rigid outlook on life that leaves the boy isolated and confused. In an unlikely meeting with the mother of another pupil, her generosity of spirit and sound advice present the boy with a world of kindness and possibility.

'The Browning Version' By Terrence Rattigan presents the retiring Classics master Mr Crocker-Harris, tired, dried up and an abhorred tyrant over his pupils. Stuck in a broken marriage and facing the prospect of a retirement with no money, a simple act of generosity by one of Crocker-Harris' pupils brings out the deep-rooted dignity and heartbreaking sadness that give this play its power.