Another Country, Richmond Theatre

Julian Mitchell’s Oliver Award-winning 1981 play unmasking the inner workings of the English public school has been revived for the West End, and the acclaimed production has now transferred to Richmond Theatre for just a week.

Another Country takes its title from the legendary hymn I Vow to Thee my Country, asserting the sense of traditionalism and rousing patriotism that underlines the plot. Inspired by the historic exposé of the Cambridge Five spy ring, the story explores how this elite world of charming toffs connects to international espionage and betrayal. 

Having won an Olivier in its first run this revived version has already dazzled at Chichester. The hierarchies and tensions of the 1930s boarding school backdrop remain just as resonant now, as does the extension towards political elitism. The play opens amidst the tension of a recent suicide and follows flamboyant homosexual, Guy, as he uses that his sexual indiscretion as a cover for lies and betrayal. Wide-eyed left-leaning sidekick Tommy provides a fascinating foil. Both characters are based closely on real members of the infamous Cambridge spy set. 

In a play that is renowned for launching the careers of Colin Firth, Kenneth Brannagh and Rupert Everett, there is a weight of expectation upon the talented young leads. Will Attenborough, son of Almeida director Michael and grandson of legendary actor and director Richard Attenborough, gives a captivating theatrical debut as Tommy, while exciting newcomer Rob Collander’s performance as Guy has been lauded as ‘mesmerising’. 

Former Royal Court Assistant Director Jeremy Herrin, fresh from directing the acclaimed stage adaptation of Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, has presented this intriguing world with pizazz and shown both faith to the script and a contemporary relevance. The charming and engrossing world of elitism and betrayal gives a stunning depiction of issues that continue to fascinate and affect us.