The notion that it’s always raining in Scotland, may just have been further perpetuated by Merton Hodge’s The Wind and The Rain. So popular was the play when it opened in the 1930’s that it ran for over 1000 performances in three different London theatres, before transferring to Broadway and being translated into nine languages for hungry European audiences. For the first time in eight decades, the play returns to London for a run at the Finborough theatre.
The intimate space immerses the audience in Carla Evans wonderfully detailed set; a study room in the Edinburgh residence of Mrs. McFie, a dour but kindly landlady who enjoys the company of the young student doctors who come to stay with her during term time – played with delightful dryness by Jenny Lee
The arrival of Charles Tritton kickstarts a story that spans some five years and three acts, with time jumping forward a couple of years each time. Despite having a girl back in London, Charles begins a relationship with sculptor Anne Hargreaves (Naomi Preston-Low), all while navigating his studies and the dynamic that naturally occurs between housemates.
It’s probably fair to say that things have changed a lot in the last century, and modern audiences might find The Wind and The Rain a little sluggish. Despite spanning five years, there’s not a great deal that actually happens in this play, and Charles and Anne’s relationship could generously be described as slow-burning.
Hodge supposedly based the character of Charles on himself, having studied medicine in Edinburgh before becoming a doctor as well as a celebrated playwright. Those familiar with the life of Merton Hodge may be hoping that this play sheds more light on the rumours that Hodge had male lovers, including Noël Coward. In the first scene, where Charles meets Dr Duhamel (David Furlong) there’s an almost electric chemistry that seems to suggest more is to come, but the story soon takes the more well-trodden path.
Jill, the girl from London comes to visit in the second act, played with sparking joie de vivre by Helen Reuben, this is a real high point of the production, introducing a new dynamic to the household comprised of Gilbert (Mark Lawrence) and John (Harvey Cole).
Bringing Roger (Lyndon Appleton) in tow is as confusing for the audience as it is for Charles but does seem to provide the young student doctor some kind of agency to pursue an affair with Anne. Joe Pitts leads the cast as Charles Tritton, with an arresting performance that confidently balances the various aspects of Tritton’s life, while making the character entirely believable for the audience.
The Wind and the Rain has undoubtedly aged since its West End triumph, but it remains a fascinating insight to a bygone age. The title may have more to do with Feste’s song from Twelfth Night than the Edinburgh climate, but this classic play is anything but dreich.
The Wind and The Rain is at Finborough Theatre until 5th August
