James Kennaway's classic novel, successfully filmed, now finds its way onto the stage.
Set in the headquarters of a Scottish regiment, it is the story of a clash of personalities and wills.
Jock Sinclair, a roistering, popular leader finds himself replaced, after four years as acting Colonel, by the straight-laced disciplinarian, Basil Barrows.
Unfortunately, a realistic set works against the production, with scene changes interrupting the build-up of tension. A minimalist set with pools of light to differentiate the acting areas would have kept the momentum.
While Stuart McGugan gives an impressive and convincing performance as the hard-drinking Sinclair, Patrick Ryecart is less successful in conveying the character of Barrows.
Instead of a fanatical imposer of military discipline, we get more of an effete and pompous headmaster. A soldier who appears to have lost the battle before it has begun.
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