The Oxford Playhouse will host a remarkable pairing of Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpieces, Table Number Seven (from Separate Tables) and The Browning Version. Staged under the title Summer 1954, the production runs from Tuesday 11th February, to Saturday 15th February 2025.
This captivating double bill, produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Living Theatre Productions, offers a rare opportunity to see Rattigan’s most personal works presented together. Directed by James Dacre, the production boasts an illustrious ensemble cast, including Dame Siân Phillips, Nathaniel Parker, and Lolita Chakrabarti.
A Stellar Cast
Dame Siân Phillips
In a career spanning eight decades, Dame Siân Phillips has delivered iconic performances across stage and screen. From her BAFTA-winning portrayal of Livia in the BBC’s I, Claudius (1976) to Olivier-nominated roles in Cabaret, A Little Night Music, and Marlene, her presence promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Nathaniel Parker
Well-known for his lead role in the BBC’s The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Nathaniel Parker has also shone onstage, portraying Henry VIII in the internationally acclaimed Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies at Stratford-upon-Avon, in the West End, and on Broadway.
Lolita Chakrabarti OBE
Award-winning actress and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti brings both depth and versatility to this production. Her adaptation of Life of Pi earned an Olivier Award for Best Play. Recent roles in Vigil (BBC), The Wheel of Time (Amazon), and The Hunt (St Ann’s Warehouse, New York) further underscore her dynamic talent.
The Stories Behind Summer 1954
Set in the summer of 1954, these two one-act plays unfold against a backdrop of post-war Britain, where change is on the horizon, and tradition is under scrutiny.
- Table Number Seven: At The Beauregard Private Hotel in Bournemouth, guests and staff alike seek solace in anonymity. But the veneer of post-war gentility masks repressed emotions, and hiding from the cultural upheaval of the era proves impossible.
- The Browning Version: In the Midlands, the school term’s end brings with it the unravelling of lives. Andrew Crocker-Harris, a once-respected classics teacher, faces the collapse of both his career and marriage in a poignant exploration of failure, redemption, and resilience.
Together, these works highlight Rattigan’s unparalleled ability to probe the depths of human emotion and societal change, offering a snapshot of a Britain on the cusp of transformation.
Why You Should See Summer 1954
This pairing of Rattigan’s works is more than a celebration of his genius; it’s a reflection of universal themes that remain relevant today. The struggles of identity, societal pressure, and personal redemption resonate as much now as they did 70 years ago.
The production is brought to life by a cast and creative team with unparalleled credentials, ensuring a rich and layered theatrical experience.
Show Details and Ticket Information
- Dates: Tuesday, 11th February – Saturday, 15th February 2025
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford
- Tickets: Starting at £14
- Booking: Call the Box Office at 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Additional Information for Attendees
Accessibility: The Oxford Playhouse is fully accessible, with wheelchair spaces and hearing enhancement systems available.
Dining Options Nearby: For a pre-show meal, consider The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant or Pierre Victoire, both within walking distance.
Parking: Gloucester Green Car Park and Worcester Street Car Park are nearby options, with evening rates available.
