Norwich Theatre Royal StudioIt's Hecuba's story, really. She's the royal matriarch who catches us up in her tragic fall. She's the one we watch, horrified, as her children are killed.

Norwich Theatre Royal Studio

It's Hecuba's story, really. She's the royal matriarch who catches us up in her tragic fall. She's the one we watch, horrified, as her children are killed. And at the end, it's she we identify with, if only because she's the last left standing.

David Lambert's idea to draw together Euripides' two plays, Hecuba and Women of Troy, for his new Youth Theatre Production is very clever indeed, as it gives her character just a little more weight and history.

And what a strong, well centred Hecuba Billie Beckley was, as she hobbled about the blood-splattered stage, spitting indignation at the downfall of the Trojans.

But full Oscar nominations go to her women, who played so sensitively as an ensemble that they almost seemed to speak with one voice.

As with Lambert's recent productions, the costume was updated to remind us of the topical reality of war. By the way the boys held their guns, none of them had been born with the fear of combat. How lucky we are.