The Corn Is Green at the National Theatre

Nicola Walker returns to the stage in a rare revival of Emlyn Williams’s The Corn Is Green. The semi-autobiographical play centres on Miss Moffat (Walker), an English educator who is tasked with teaching the young miners of an impoverished rural town to read and write. Detecting unearthed talent in her student Morgan Evans (Iwan Davies), Moffatt endeavours to forge him a new future, while facing resistance from the local community. Director Dominic Cooke, who recently enjoyed a very well received revival of The Normal Heart at the National, is respectful of the material, while managing to breathe new life into it. Despite the play being written in 1938, Cooke excavates timely and pertinent themes, exploring gender, class, education, nationality and morality – weighty subject matter, yes, but there is also much humour to be found here. 

Walker is perfectly cast as the forward-thinking, no-nonsense teacher. One fully believes in her character and relishes her unrelenting quest to put pressure on those who are meant to be her superiors. Her scenes with Rufus Wright’s buffoonish Squire are particularly powerful. Walker commands the stage, showcasing an impressive array of skills, reminding viewers that this an actor at the top of her game. Challenging class structure and gender roles, Moffatt highlights the flaws in inherited power and the lack of aspiration betrothed to the working classes. Moffat is frequently bullish but all the more engaging for it. Though there is the potential for caricature to override character, Walker grounds the production.

The entire cast excels with notable performances from Jo McInnes as Mrs Watty and Saffron Coomber as her daughter Bessy, the latter a wayward woman with fierce independence and a rebellious air. The two captivate with their believable family dynamic, balancing humour with trauma. Iwan Davies shines as the bright, yet troubled Morgan, seamlessly capturing his character’s conflict between wanting to achieve and quench his thirst for education while maintaining his status among peers. It’s a multifaceted, detailed performance that engrosses the audience throughout. 

The use of a Welsh chorus reminds us of the play’s roots and injects authenticity while offering some respite from the heavy subject matter. This is a heartfelt, urgent and inquisitive revival that incites thought and ignites debate. Walker delivers a powerhouse performance, and is complemented by a stellar cast, all of whom are fully invested in their performances and the play as a whole. With a challenging and important production, Cooke and his cast are also successful in capitalising on the natural character-driven humour of the text. This pacy and provocative revival interweaves an intricate yet multifaceted story; it feels timely, accessible and refreshingly relevant for a 2022 audience.

Jonathan Marshall
Photo: Johan Persson

The Corn Is Green is at the National Theatre from 23^rd April until 11^th June 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.