The Winslow Boy awes audiences at the GOH

Terence Rattigan’s play is set just before the First World War and tells the story of Ronnie Winslow, a 14-year-old cadet who is expelled from school for stealing a postal order. What follows is his father’s long and tedious battle (the story is based on a real case) to clear his son’s name.

Although the events may be of a serious undertone, humour is well injected throughout, particularly by the maid Violet (Soo Droulet) and the eldest Winslow son Dickie (Theo Bamber), who keep the audience thoroughly entertained with their amusing antics.

A truly outstanding performance is given by Timothy Watson, playing Sir Robert Morton, who cross examines Ronnie Winslow (Misha Butler) in such a convincing way that you forget that you are watching a play and not an actual court case. Throughout the play, one is given the joy of watching Robert Morton’s character develop, as layers are stripped back and truths revealed about his reasoning's for taking the case and his beliefs about the difference between justice and what is right.

We are also given the pleasure of watching Dorothea Myer-Bennett’s vivid portrayal of Catherine Winslow, who clearly stands out as a character with great morals as she doesn’t let anything come between her and her views, her own personal sacrifice is one of the most moving moments in the play. She is portrayed as a strong feminist character with big dreams as she volunteers for the Women's’ Suffrage movement whilst helping her father with the case for her brother.

These strong characters really create an amazing atmosphere in the theatre with their larger than life stage presences and witty legal and political dialogue.

There is a level of intellectual flirting towards the end with Sir Robert and Catherine and you left sitting on the edge of your seat in anticipation of a possible romance which they allude to.

The set itself creates an inviting and warm atmosphere in which the audience is transported back to the early 1900s with beautiful period furniture and paintings and the open design of the set allows for the entire play to come from the Winslow’s drawing room in a very clever manner.

The costumes used throughout leave the audience in no doubt of the time period as some of them are reminiscent of those from Mary Poppins, which one can’t help but think of with the sub-genre of feminism and the suffragette movement.

All in all the Winslow Boy is a great play all round with outstanding acting, witty humour, excellent themes of justice and love and great set design and costumes, you are sure to be entertained. A must see at The Grand Opera House.

The show runs until Saturday 5th May, each evening and a matinee on Thursday and Saturday. Groups interested in going can also benefit from a 25% discount. For more info or to purchase tickets click here or call the box office on 028 90 241 919.