The Country Girl

JENNY SEAGROVE AND MARTIN SHAW REUNITED ON STAGE

Written by American playwright Clifford Odets in 1950 and subsequently adapted for film, The Country Girl is about a turbulent marriage, human failure and a love of the stage. Directed by the highly acclaimed Rufus Norris, the potent drama tells the story of the tribulations of a once-great actor, Frank Elgin, who has one last chance to resurrect his career.

Remembered for his glory days, aged Frank is asked by director Bernie Dodd to perform in his new musical production, Frank accepts. But there is doubt as to whether Frank can cope with the work.

Bernie mistakenly blames country girl Georgie, Frank's cold, embittered wife, for her husband's failed career. What the director does not realise is that Frank is a wily alcoholic and entirely dependent on his wife, and that the couple lost their five-year-old son while he was in Frank's care. Yet masked beneath the resentment that characterises their stormy relationship, a sensual attraction sparks between Bernie and the actor's wife.

The Country Girl brings together two highly respected and acclaimed actors. Frank Elgin is played by the formidable Martin Shaw, best known for his roles in George Gently and multi-award-winning Judge John Deed, while co-star from the same series Jenny Seagrove plays Georgie.