The Browning Version

A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Browning Version

Short Play, Drama  /  2w, 5m

Terence Rattigan

In Rattigan's celebrated play, teacher Andrew Crocker retires after 18 years as a classics professor at an English boys' school, forcing a reevaluation of his past, his marriage and his future.

Image: 2009 Theatre Royal Bath Production (Tristram Kenton)

The Browning Version

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • Suggested Use
    • UIL Approved
    • Competition or Audition Material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Regarded by many as Rattigan’s finest work, this 1948 play enjoyed several successful revivals and inspired two films and several television adaptations. After 18 years as classic teacher at an English boys’ school, Andrew Crocker-Harris is retiring due to ill health. His young wife Millie despises him for his failures and finds consolation with Frank, a younger teacher. As he bids farewell to his students, Crocker-Harris contemplates his life’s work, reflects on his marriage, and considers his future.

History
The Browning Version was first performed on 8 September 1948 at the Phoenix Theatre in London. On 12 October 1949, the play premiered on Broadway at the Coronet Theatre as part of a double bill with Harlequinade.
Keywords
Performing Groups

JOHN TAPLOW
FRANK HUNTER
MILLIE CROCKER-HARRIS
ANDREW CROCKER-HARRIS
DR FROBISHER
PETER GILBERT
MRS GILBERT

  • Time Period 1940s/WWII
  • Setting The sitting room of the Crocker-Harris’s flat at a public school in the south of England. 1948.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 75 Minutes

Media

“A masterpiece.” - New York Journal American

Photos

  • The Browning Version

    Image: 2009 Theatre Royal Bath Production (Tristram Kenton)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £40 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

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Authors

Terence Rattigan

Terence Rattigan

Born in London on the 10th June 1911, Terence Rattigan (1911–1977) was educated at Harrow (Scholar) from 1925 to 1930 and Trinity College, Oxford (History Scholarship) BA to 1933. He served as a flight Lieutenant in the Central Command, RAF from 1940 to 1945. In 1934 he had b ...

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