Another Country

What is Another Country about?

Julian Mitchell's 1981 play is set in a 1930s English public school and follows Guy Bennett, a charming, clever student who is gay in an era when homosexuality is criminal. After a fellow student's suicide, Guy is denied a position of authority because of his sexuality, and the betrayal by the establishment he thought he belonged to sets him on the path to becoming a spy for the Soviet Union. The play is inspired by the lives of Guy Burgess and the Cambridge spies.

Why see Another Country?

Another Country launched the careers of Rupert Everett and Colin Firth in its original production, and London revivals continue to attract exceptional young talent. The play remains powerfully relevant as a study of how institutions treat those who don't conform, and how personal betrayal by the establishment can lead to political betrayal in return. The writing is sharp, witty, and deeply moving, and the school setting creates a pressure-cooker atmosphere that makes every scene crackle with tension.

Practical information for visitors

Another Country is revived periodically in London. Check current listings for the latest production and venue. The play deals with themes of sexuality, institutional prejudice, and political betrayal, and is best suited for older teenagers and adults. Running time is approximately two hours and thirty minutes including an interval.

Similar shows you might enjoy

For more politically charged British drama, explore productions at the Donmar Warehouse and the Royal Court. For historical drama with contemporary resonance, consider Wolf Hall or The Lehman Trilogy.