RICHARD PARR Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich

RICHARD PARR

> Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich

Children of the 1940s fought their own war, as shown in this first-rate musical.

We see youngsters sent from London to the West Country, being forced to say goodbye to their parents and live with strangers.

While the war was fought in the skies, these young city dwellers faced their own fight for acceptance from their country counterparts.

Children can be cruel, and we witness their verbal battles in the village classroom and their rowdy fights on the hills.

Nine-year-old Fraser Davidson coped wonderfully well in the demanding role of Kip, around which much of the action takes place.

His performance oozed confidence, creating a combination of wide-eyed innocence and streetwise savvy.

He achieves good rapport with London evacuee Chuck, a fine performance by Daniel Herman.

Playing opposite Kip in the role of Ellen is Nyisha Bill-Eteson and they establish a warm relationship.

Other performances worth noting include Ben Weston as Duncan Constance and Tegan Edwards as Laura Maybee.

The songs are feel-good melodies almost in the sing-a-long tradition. Among the audience favourites were Sending you to Safety, Moving On, and When this War is Over.

Youthful exuberance from a talented cast who sing their hearts out; period costumes; effective lighting; and slick dance routines in Adrian Connell's heart-warming production contribute to a first class evening.

t It continues nightly until Saturday, November 5, when there is also a matinee.