South Downs/ The Browning Version

The Browning Version is a well-known play by Terrence Rattigan (and made into a film too), but as a play its too short to be commercial - just over an hour. So it really needs a companion piece to be performed, which David Hare has supplied in a short play called South Downs. Both are set in public schools (although only the first is really about a public school) , and both feature acts of unexpected kindness. But what really links them is people who find being likeable hard.

In South Downs, set in a minor public school, a 14 year-old is struggling to be accepted, mostly because he is too bright. As nicely said by the head boy, "you are one of those people who knows lots that no one else knows, but nothing of what everyone knows" , ie how to fit in. The young actor who plays the misfit is brilliant.

As is Anna Chancellor, who plays the prefect's mother who takes a shine to the friendless boy in the first play, and the awful social climbing harridan in the Browning Version. In the latter play, it is the retiring classics master who finds it impossible to be liked. In both the protagonists lack warmth, take themselves too seriously. But neither are horrible, and so the audience don't believe they deserve the scorn of those around them.

Both are terrific plays, and the Browning Version is so brilliant because you see someone being utterly crushed. Its really quite shocking. And unusual to see a play about someone who frankly is just a failure at life. A very good night at the theatre.