The Wind and The Rain - Finborough

[bee]

This is part of Finborough's ReDiscovered season. They are staging a number of somewhat forgotten plays, including this one which was a huge hit when it was first produced in the 1930s, but apparently hasn't been put on in London for 80 years. It concerns a group of medical students in Edinburgh, focusing mainly on the romantic entanglements of the youngest, Charles Tritton, played by Joe Pitts.

This felt a bit dated to be honest - you can see why it is no longer produced any more - but it's a still a good play with interesting characters and an absorbing story. The cast do a great job and I ended up liking it a lot. Recommended. It's on till 5th August.

[Dave B]

I enjoyed this quite a lot. If it was an indie movie, it would be 'mumblecore'. Not much happens while people sit around and talk alot - but it is funny and warm and the cast are great. I really felt invested in them and in their exam results. Very thin characters in places but they do such a good job and hint at a lot below the surface really nicely.

Over 1000 performances in the West End, any of our old timers see it in the Coliseum in 1939? No, how about on Broadway in 1934? Amazing to have such success and then vanish.

[n1david]

The 1* review of this in The Stage is quite entertaining:

It has been 80 years since a professional production of Merton Hodge’s play last graced a London stage. This extended hibernation, it seems, was still not long enough.

www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/the-wind-and-the-rain-review-at-the-finborough-theatre-london