South Downs | The Browning Version, Harold Pinter Theatre

Running time: 2h 40m

South Downs | The Browning Version Overview

Following a critically acclaimed and sold out run as part of Chichester’s Festival 2011, the double bill of Terence Rattigan's one-act masterpiece and David Hare's specially commissioned companion piece will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre from April 19 with a press night on April 24.

Anna Chancellor and Nicholas Farrell will once again lead the casts in these plays which examine life in boarding public schools. Rattigan's own Harrow School and Hare's own Lancing College provide the backdrop for 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 is set at Lancing College in Sussex where a pin sharp young pupil (a role reprised by young actor Alex Lawther, celebrated for this professional debut) 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.

Rattigan's The Browning Version 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.

South Downs | The Browning Version Cast & Creatives

Anna Chancellor
Duffield in South Downs and Millie Crocker-Harris in The Browning Version
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Jonathan Bailey
Jeremy Duffield in South Downs
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Mark Umbers
Frank Hunter in The Browning Version
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Bradley Hall
Colin Jenkins in South Downs
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Liam Morton
Roger Sprule in South Downs
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Alex Lawther
John Blakemore in South Downs
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Tom Spink
Tommy Gunter and Understudy in South Downs
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Jeremy Herrin
Director of South Downs
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Tom Scutt
Set and Costumer Designer
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Ian Dickinson
Sound Designer
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Gabrielle Dawes
Casting Director
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Nicholas Farrell
Reverend Eric Dewley in South Downs and Andrew Crocker-Harris in The Browning Version
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Andrew Woodall
Basil Spear in South Downs and Dr Frobisher in The Browning Version
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Amanda Fairbank-Hynes
Mrs Gilbert in The Browning Version
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Rob Heaps
Peter Gilbert in The Browning Version
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Mark Elstob
Understudy in The Browning Version and South Downs
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James Messer
Understudy in South Downs
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Emma Thornett
Understudy in The Browning Version and South Downs
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Angus Jackson
Director of The Browning Version
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Neil Austin
Lighting Designer
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Paul Englishby
Composer
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Julia Horan
Casting Director
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South Downs | The Browning Version Access

Booking Information

Access Booking line: 0844 871 7677

Access Performances

Audio Description
None scheduled
Sign Language Interpreted
None scheduled
Captioned
None scheduled
SUR Titles
None scheduled

Venue Access Information

Our Box Office and foyer are situated at street level. The Stalls seating is accessible down a flight of 23 steps. Our Dress Circle seating has the easier access, being on foyer level and can provide up to 4 wheelchair spaces per performance. Seats in front of these spaces can be moved forward to accommodate longer chairs and small scooters - please provide measurements of chairs and scooters at time of booking to enable Box Office Staff to advise you correctly.
We have a dual channel infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium. Using a headset (without a hearing aid) or one that is worn around the neck (with a hearing aid) you can boost the volume of the performance. There is a £10 returnable deposit for using the headsets which you can collect from the cloakroom.
Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.
Ladies and Gents toilets are located down 23 steps from the foyer to Stalls level, up 23 steps from foyer to Royal Circle and up 49 steps from foyer to Balcony level. Our Royal Retiring Room toilet is located 6 steps down from foyer level for patrons who are able to manage some steps. There is one handrail. Alternatively, for patrons with limited mobility, Strada restaurant opposite the front of the theatre on Panton Street offers the use of their accessible toilet. A member of theatre staff would be available to accompany patrons to and from the restaurant.

Harold Pinter Theatre Information

Harold Pinter Theatre

Harold Pinter Theatre
Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4DN
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Directions

By bus: Number 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 or 176 to Leicester Square and Haymarket.

Closest Tube:

Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Charing Cross

Contact Information

Book online: Use the links below

Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7627

Customer Service: 0844 871 7627

Groups Bookings: 0844 871 7644

Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677

Stage Door / Admin:* 0207 321 5300
*please note it is not possible to assist
with bookings on this number

South Downs | The Browning Version Seating Plan

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South Downs | The Browning Version Group Bookings

Booking Information

Groups Booking line: 0844 871 7644

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