WARTIME WONDER!
New War Time Theatre Production Proved A Success.
The 100 years since the First World War has been an emotional time this year to commemorate and reflect on the thousands of lives lost and destroyed in all wars and conflicts. A century may have now passed since the First World War, but we will still remember it as if it was yesterday, and ‘Lest we forget’ those who have sacrificed so much for us.
The damage will always remain and destruction will never be forgotten, and Giuliano Crispiri’s epic production of a war time tale, reminds us just of the tragedies that have been and were created with wars. This thriller, set in WW2 enemy occupied Channel Islands, is based on unpublished diaries found in Gurnsey. Starring Olivia Haliman (Larkraise to Candleford), Mark Letheren (The Bill) and Adam Gillen (Benidorm) these three actors, together had a chemistry that helped to create the most successful and awe-inspiring play that it was.
The play is based in Lotty’s (Haliman) house in Gurnsey which is taken over by the Nazi general, Rolf (Latheren). She is refused to see her love interest and life long best friend Ben. As Lotty is ordered to provide and serve for Rolf, the two grow a forbidden love that they cannot inhibit and she intern, worships the Nazi general, turning her back on her loyalties and her duties to her own country and island.
When Rolf kills a helpless starving and victimized woman on the island, Lotty isn’t so blinded by his perfectly clean cut perspective that she has of him and tried to communicate back with Ben to help save the island but it proves to be disastrous and she ends up murdering Ben, as she takes the side of Rolf (her new husband) when he is attacked by Ben. With the war now over and Lotty’s longest and most affectionate childhood friend lost forever, the pair are doomed for a disastrous and a futile future ahead.
Directed by Bruce Guthrie, this passionate production has proved worthy and successful in captivating a wide aged ranged audience. British Theatre referred to the play as being “One of the most mesmerising, gripping and involving productions that I have ever seen!”
The play began in Cheltenham and began it’s first major UK tour, stopping of in Exceter as well as Dartford and upper London. We hope that this is the first of many yet to come.
Rachel Carabine-Clarke
Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
