CHRISTOPHER SMITH The South Norfolk Players, directed by Jim Carpmael, got this year's Theatre in the Parks season in Norwich off to a splendid start, although threats of rain meant a transfer into the Waterloo Park pavilion.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH

The South Norfolk Players, directed by Jim Carpmael, got this year's Theatre in the Parks season in Norwich off to a splendid start, although threats of rain meant a transfer into the Waterloo Park pavilion.

Dennis Potter's classic is a drama of childhood, and at one level you can only marvel when the dramatist shows that he knows how seven-year-olds behave and talk when on their own. Though we may only see and hear youngsters running around, patterns of dominance are a fact of life. The weak are always at risk.

Bounding with energy, the production has the strengths of simplicity, and from start to finish the laughs keep on coming. They set off the quieter moments with the grim realisation of the dangers of playing with fire, real or metaphorical.

t Blue Remembered Hills is also performed on at UEA Music Centre Outdoor Theatre (June 5, 7.30pm), the Whiffler Theatre at Castle Gardes (June 6-7, 7.30pm) and Cow Tower (June 8, 3pm). All performances are free.