Carrie's War

Carrie's War

21 July, 2008
by: Jimmy

Following on from last year's successful production of Little Women, Novel Theatre team Loudon and Reeves' latest adaptation goes one step better with a lean and thoughtful production of Carrie's War as enjoyable for parents as sprogs.

Based on Nina Bawden's own experiences the play follows three English children, Carrie, her whining younger brother Nick and friend Albert evacuated to a Welsh village at the outbreak of World War II. Part Dylan Thomas, part Charlotte Bronte, with a sprinkling of Jean Rhys, the story of their adolescence is played touchingly, without the preciousness of more forgettable children's theatre.

Led by Sarah Edwardson's hugely likeable central turn the rest of the ensemble cast take the opportunity to cut loose with energy and charisma. Sion Tudor Owen's performance is exceptional and Hywel Morgan impresses in four very different roles in a very strong ensemble production.

The children's status as evacuees and powerlessness as both children and exiles, forces them to confront moral and emotional dilemmas head-on. But just as they are beginning to feel comfortable in their new surrounding the repercussions of a friend's death threaten to upset their hard won peace...

An excellent new adaptation which will no doubt become a staple of school productions for decades to come, catch the original now: impress at parent's evening later.

Carrie's War 5/5.
For adults and young people aged eight and over.
Showing from now - 6 January 2007 at Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadlers' Wells, Rosebery Avenue.
Nightly 1900
Tickets: £10 - £26.50.

First published 16 December 2006

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Jimmy