Sixty years after George Odet wrote The Country Girl, it is being given a revival in the UK by Bill Kenwright Productions. And prior to its run in London’s West End, it is touring the provinces, much the same as the play in the storyline itself with its opening in Boston prior to the transfer to New York.

Critically-acclaimed director Rufus Norris leads two of the nation’s best-loved and most respected actors in this glamorous masterpiece. Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove are reunited in the roles played by Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand on Broadway in 2008, and by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly in the multi-Oscar winning 1954 film.

Best known for his starring roles in George Gently and the BAFTA award winning Judge John Deed, Martin Shaw is joined in this production by his co-star from that hugely popular series, Jenny Seagrove. Martin Shaw’s most recent stage appearance was in the West End triumph A Man for All Seasons while Seagrove’s extensive theatre credits have seen her play lead roles in almost every West End playhouse; her most recent West End performance was in Peter Hall’s critically-acclaimed production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce.

The Country Girl is an insight into the turbulent lives of a married couple whose relationship is tested to the limit when a shot at stardom exposes their deep-rooted flaws. It is the powerful story of washed-up actor Frank Elgin, a desperate and demanding alcoholic who is offered a comeback chance to star in the next Broadway play by hotshot director Bernie Dodd.

Believing the actor’s long-suffering wife Georgie is the reason for his decline, Bernie strikes up a stormy relationship with her – but in 1950s New York how far will a woman go to redeem the man she loves?

Shaw and Seagrove, along with Mark Letheran in the role of Bernie Dodd are outstanding in this production and it is a privilege to see them perform in West Yorkshire. I was also very impressed with the way Bill Kenwright makes the various scene changes so much part of the performance. This is a must-see production!