Rainbow Network
Latin!, Or Tobacco and Boys

There really is no mistaking the genius of Stephen Fry, and in Latin! or, Tobacco and Boys he spins a fine romp of illicitness at a 1970s prep school. Penned back in 1980 by a young Fry, Latin picked up a Fringe First award and was recently dusted down for a run at this year's Edinburgh Festival. The current production sees Mark Farrelly and David Benson devilishly deliver the two-hander with lashings of gusto and charm! Dominic Clarke (Farrelly) is the foppish Latin master at Chartham Park Preparatory, who exudes a passion for both his subject and a certain pupil by the name of Cartwright. When the over zealous awarding of house points to said pupil is uncovered, it's the elder master Herbert Brookshaw (Benson) who steps in. Recognising the glaring transparency of Clarke's plan to marry the headmaster's daughter, Brookshaw makes an intimate deal. Who knew a wet towel and cricket boots could provide so much late night pleasure?

As the audience you take on the role of the errant pupils, as education and the firm hand of discipline are dispensed in wonderfully camp form. Fry's trademark wit and penchant for double entendre are on full display here as the tale of young love between schoolmaster and favourite pupil unfolds. Even the somewhat taboo nature of the play's subject matter is handled with both humour and irony. Indeed, the wrapping of the plot around the bizarre world of an English boarding school is most definitely the key to its success. With tongue placed firmly in cheek, Fry allows the schoolboy humour to take centre stage. Hurrah for back passages, sticky ends and a spot of spanking. This really is high camp, fuss and nonsense stuff! Both Farrelly and Benson shine in their respective personas, and the simple classroom setting makes for an intimate and thoroughly enjoyable experience. No matter how alien the world of a preparatory Latin class may seem to you, rest assured that Latin, or Tobacco and Boys is all round 'jolly hockey sticks' good stuff!