The Old Country

For their September production, New Era Players present ‘The Old Country’ by Alan Bennett.

With his customary wit and irony, Bennett leans into the notion of the loneliness of the spy.

Hilary and Bron await the arrival of a sister and brother-in-law for lunch: Bron pottering in the garden, Hilary asleep in his rocking chair listening to Elgar.

A very English setting.

The visitors arrive, bringing with them anticipated gifts, and the conversation proceeds.

It is soon apparent that this is not England: Hilary has fled into exile some years previously, having betrayed his country. 

But now it seems he must return… Does he regret or justify his betrayal?

His dreams of a vanishing England poignantly bring out the embittered isolation and irony of exile, and with this irony is revealed the very heart of Englishness.

This amateur production of “The Old Country” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. http://www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

This lesser known but highly acclaimed Bennett play is showing on 11-13 and 16-20 September 2025 at New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, Newbury RG14 6NU. Tickets are £15 each and available online from ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players.

All other enquiries to  boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or phone 07919 916009.