The Ladbroke Players were putting on their usual November production at St. Peter's Kensington Park Road this week - and as they are always first class, I decided to go along and see their latest efforts - two short plays by Terence Rattigan.
The first one was "The Browning Version", an interesting look at relationships between various people and how they were played out against the background of a public school. Andrew Crocker Harris, apparently sour, stern and very correct, is not liked by the boys, although some - perhaps many - respect him. He is married to a wife whom he does not love, but believes his marriage vows demand that he supports her.
She, on the other hand, is having an affair with a young colleague, and has no compunction in upsetting and putting her husband down. He knows about her affair, but says nothing, as he does not want to cause trouble, and tends to be very compliant about everything.
He is touched when a boy gives him a Latin translation - the Browning Version of the title - but is devastated when his wife waspishly informs him that the gift was to placate him, and the boy's comments were not sincere.
He suddenly realises just what his wife is and - perhaps for the first time in his life - stands up for himself.
Harlequinade was completely different - a comedy about a bohemian acting couple who are organising a performance of Romeo and Juliet. Once again the acting was superb - I don't know why anyone bothers to go to the West end when there is such talent on the doorstep.
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