The joy of this production of THE WINSLOW BOY, from The Castle Hill Players, is the skill of the cast who so successfully portray the darker and more serious themes of the play yet highlight the witty and clever writing.
We, the audience, find ourselves laughing while at the same time riling against the injustices of the situation. THE WINSLOW BOY is an English play from 1946 by Terence Rattigan based on an incident, which set a legal precedent, involving George Archer-Shee a naval cadet at Osborne Naval College in 1908 who was accused of stealing a postal order from a fellow cadet. Set against the code of conduct of the class system of the time, the father’s struggle to clear the boy’s name is essential for the family’s honour so they are not ostracised by that society.
This production however is most definitely not a cold legal drama but a very personal family saga as each member is impacted by the father’s decision to fight for his son’s innocence.
Christopher Clark plays the father Arthur Winslow with all the varying emotions of disappointment at his son’s failure to confide in him, to the strong family leader driven to follow a particular path no matter the consequences and then the uncertainly of following this path. Brayden Sim as the younger son Ronnie is delightful in his honesty and youthful enthusiasm and Blake Eaton plays the part of the irresponsible older son Dickie to a tee.
The story is as much that of Catherine the daughter, played by Melanie Ham with just the right mixture of forthright sincerity in her political beliefs to gentle support for her father and willingness to forfeit her own happiness for justice. Brooke Davidson as the supportive wife Grace shows compassion, patience and a lot of humour is putting up with the changing circumstances of the family over which she has so little control.
Alan Long is in fine form as Desmond Curry as the ever hopeful yet dignified suitor of Catherine and we feel compassion towards his rather hopeless cause. Sid Garde plays Catherine’s fiancée John Watherstone who withers under the gathering social pressure against the Winslow family.
Paul Sztelma is excellent in the role of Sir Robert Morton, his icy characterisation and intellectual bantering with Catherine a highlight of the play. How clever is the writing that once we know the outcome of the justice issue we almost wish the play to continue with the stirring of possible unfinished business between these two characters.
Anthea Brown, as the parlourmaid Violet, has her moment of glory as she reveals the verdict. Kate Foote as the journalist Miss Barnes and Charlotte Woodford as Fred the photographer lend authenticity to setting the period of the play.
The detailed period set is a delight, in particular the beautiful lamps and gramophone that appears to work. A range of costumes help bring out the manners and class system of the time.
Directed by Jennifer Wilson this play is a very worthy addition to the Castle Hill Players 2018 season and is for everyone who has a desire for right and justice done with a generous touch of wit and humour.
THE WINSLOW BOY from Castle Hill Players [Facebook] is playing at The Pavilion Theatre, Doran Drive, Castle Hill till June 23.
