"A play is a world in itself. A tiny colony we could say. And you are in charge of it. That is a great responsibility"

Australia, 1788. A boatload of disease and disdain spews onto a foreign shore. As the soldiers struggle to impose order on the outcasts of the old society, a benevolent governor seizes on the notion of a play. In the shadow of the gallows and the gum tree, the convicts gather and rehearsals begin for The Recruiting Officer. Based on real events, Timberlake Wertenbaker's award winning modern classic is an inspiring tale of the transforming power of theatre.

This is a major touring revival produced by the acclaimed Original Theatre Company, who recently brought Twelfth Night and See How They Run to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and following on from the success of their recent productions of Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa, Alan Bennett's Madness of George III and R.C. Sherriff's Journey's End.

For Group or Schools bookings, please contact our Box Office managers on box.office@maltingsberwick.co.uk or ring 01289 330 999.

Brand new reviews of the current tour:

'This 1988 play won every award going on its first outing at the Royal Court and subsequently on Broadway. A quarter of a century on, its contention that the creation of drama has a humanising effect on society’s rejects is as powerful and affecting as ever' - THE STAGE (31/1/12) READ FULL REVIEW

'Our Country’s Good and so is this play' - AUSTRALIAN TIMES (6/2/12) READ FULL REVIEW

'Timberlake Wertenbaker’s marvellous, passionate play won an Olivier in 1988 at the Royal Court and here gets a full-blooded revival under Alastair Whatley. Imaginative re-creation of history frames a timeless affirmation of the power of dramatic art...' - Libby Purves, THE TIMES (1/2/12) READ FULL REVIEW

'It’s a rich and heady brew, utterly enthralling. The play is fully deserving of its status as a modern classic... the parameters of the play as a theatrical exercise are imbued with character and meaning that illuminates the human condition in these curious and barbaric circumstances' - WHATSONSTAGE (31/1/12) READ FULL REVIEW

'It is probably not an easy drama to produce given that it has twenty-two roles and, in this performance, only ten actors. However, The Original Theatre's production shows the actors' skill as they seamlessly move from one character to another, doubling, and in the case of Philip Whitchurch and Rachel Donovan even trebling. Never once do we doubt or question their dramatic authenticity as they rapidly and emotionally switch roles... This satisfying and entertaining performance does not aim to answer all the questions but gives the audience enough evidence to make their own conclusions' - REMOTE GOAT (27/1/12) READ FULL REVIEW

This just in! Aden Gillett, one of the actors currently starring in Our Country’s Good, has won the OFFIE (Off West End Theatre) Award for Best Male for his performance in Accolade (playing Will Trenting) at the Finborough Theatre. Congratulations!

Read the Our Country's Good touring blog by clicking here 

Please note: This show is now being presented in Berwick for two performances only: 9 &10 Feb (Thu & Fri) at 7.30pm.