Theatre

Theatre Royal, Bath THE plot to Terence Rattigan’s 1946 play, even though it is based on a true story, doesn’t sound thrilling. It is 1914 and a teenage boy is expelled from a Navy college for stealing and cashing a five shilling postal order. His ailing dad is determined to prove his innocence. The result is a battle that grips the nation – but nearly destroys them all.

In the capable hands of Aden Gillett as the physically crumbling but mentally stoic father and Tessa Peake-Jones as his devoted but quietly doubtful wife, this touring production is utterly compelling. Their parlour is a perfect window into an Edwardian middle class way of life, from the suffragette daughter Kate to the dim but thoroughly likeable Dickie.

Amid the light touches of humour, tales of thwarted love and a plucky fight with the establishment, looms the threat of the First World War. As the curtain falls you are aware another gripping tale is about to unfold.

SARAH MOOLLA