The Winslow Boy Review
The Winslow Boy
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Opening on the 29th March 2012 at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, directed by David Thacker the theatre production of “The Winslow Boy” written by Terence Rattigan, with an outstanding cast of ten actors.
In Edwardian England, a thirteen year-old cadet, Ronnie Winslow, is expelled from the naval academy at Osborne for stealing a five shilling postal order. His father and sister become obsessed with proving his innocence at any cost to themselves, and turn the case into a national cause celebre.
Rattigan's writing is matched by Christopher Villiers acting and the result is a scene which is both powerful, compelling, moving and extremely satisfying as Sir Robert Morton cross examines Ronnie played by Sam Ramsay who as a young actor had an amazing performance.
Christopher Ravenscroft admirably shows that Arthur Winslow's wit and patriarchal sternness conceal an unstoppable determination that right must be done , in perfect portrayal of a loving father who’s physical health deteriorates under the strain.
Catherine Strawson (Catherine Winslow) and Iestyn Arwel (Dickie Winslow) had an outstanding performance as Ronnie’s siblings.Dickie Winslow, has to leave Oxford due to the lack of money destroying his chance at a career in the Civil Service and finds employment in his father’s bank. Suffragette sister, Catherine who ultimately sacrifices her fiancé John Watherstone (Ted Holden) to the family cause, she loves him far more than he does her; in turn, is doted on by an ex-cricketer Donald Curry (Huw Higginson) haunted by memories of past glory.
Suzan Sylvester plays Ronnie’s protective mother Grace Winslow who begins to wonder if the real issue is justice or a father's stubborn and foolish pride and is forced to make economical sacrifices, and is unwilling to take the drastic measure of dismissing, Violet, (Flamina Cinque) who has been the families maid for over twenty years.
The Octagon Theatre is located in the centre of Bolton, with easy access to parking facilities directly next door in the Multi Storey Car Park. The theatre itself is quite modern with a friendly bar and café, ticket prices are quite reasonable for a 3hr performance varying from £9.50 to £22.50.
Overall what a great night, well worth the price of the ticket for a fine adaptation of “The Winslow Boy”, you will relish the outstanding performances by the cast and the rather intimate auditorium. A fascinating play of howboth Ronnie's father and Morton are driven, at great cost to themselves, by a passionate belief in the pursuit of justice.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information and to book tickets visit: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/page/145/The-Winslow-Boy/227