Bassett

Corn Exchange, Dorchester

A few years ago the small market town of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire became the centre of international attention when the bodies of servicemen killed in action abroad were flown to nearby Lyneham and their coffins were paraded with due ceremony through the town, a short lived custom which attracted thousands of people who gathered to honour the sacrifices of the dead.

In James Graham's new drama written under the auspices of the national theatre connections scheme for young people, he explores the impact these tributes to the victims of war had upon the local residents. In particular he asks us to consider the effect it has upon the town’s children.

A class of 14 young people find themselves locked into their classroom just as the latest funeral procession is getting under way, the day being of special significance to them since one of the coffins bears the remains of a former pupil whom they all knew.

What follows is a highly emotional drama full of anger, blame and teenage retribution as the classmates try to come to terms with living in a country that is at war.

Under the direction of Jo Simons, the young actors of Dorchester Youth Theatre bring passion and promise to their roles as they quarrel, fight and slowly learn to understand each other and acknowledge their differences.

.Monty Dent brilliantly plays the leading role of Leo whose rage at being locked in is taken to alarming lengths as he wields a baseball bat at the window, the furniture and his classmates, a seriously troubled young man.

Winning performances also come from Joe Morgan as Russell who tries to calm the atmosphere while Sam Beavis is Spencer who spends the whole time facing the wall and Ryan Fowler has a hard time as Dean whose only interest is in going to the toilet.

Imogen Bell and Florence Penfold in their leading roles as Aimee and Kelly display the usual feminine follies penned by male writers in a play that at less than one hour in length, is nevertheless stimulating and thought provoking.

Less appealing is the foul language which gives an unattractive flavour to the dialogue, perhaps a sign of the times but not something that should be encouraged and applauded.

The production continues with a further performance tonight (Friday)

MARION COX