Rattigan, Sir Terence Mervyn, 1911-1977

“Variation on a Theme / a new play / by / Terence Rattigan”. –  Mimeograph / typescript / typescript carbon, with corrections, 140 pp. – ca. 1958.

Terence Rattigan, the playwright, was born in 1911 in London and educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Oxford. Shortly after leaving Oxford without a degree he had a play produced in the West End. He excelled in both stage plays and films. Some of his best known works are The Winslow Boy, The Browning Version and Separate Tables. Rattigan died in Bermuda in1977.

“Variation on a Theme / a new play / by / Terence Rattigan”. Mimeograph / typescript / typescript carbon, with corrections, 140 pp. Written on the title page in pencil is “corrected by the author and his secretary”. Rattigan has written in ink: “To Cuthbert with great love and appreciation of his appreciation. Terry Rattigan.” Also one programme from The Streatham Hill Theatre and a photocopy of the notes about this play prepared by Bertram Rota Ltd. in preparation for its sale. The play was partly based on Margaret Leighton’s relationship with Laurence Harvey. Leighton appeared in the role of “Rose”, with John Gielgud directing. It was previewed beginning in Manchester on 31 March 1958, followed by performances in Streatham Hill and other towns, before opening in the West End in early May.

Title based on content of the item.
The play was purchased from Bertram Rota Ltd. at some unknown date, but probably not later than 1985.
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