JOHN LAWSON Love and war go hand in hand in Carl Davies's musical about a group of London evacuees sent to the safety of the countryside during the second world war.

JOHN LAWSON

Love and war go hand in hand in Carl Davies's musical about a group of London evacuees sent to the safety of the countryside during the second world war.

The multi-layered ensemble story is packed with sub plots but the young Dereham Operatic Society cast are totally convincing about a subject which is so alien to their own experience.

Certainly the many greying heads among the first-night audience at the Memorial Hall could be seen nodding in recognition at the story unfolding before them.

Aidan Woods as Kipp, leader of the London kids, gives a solid performance at the centre of the action with Sam Mitchell-Finigan a wonderful foil as his countryside rival, Rosanna Dunn and Greg Rawlings are similarly convincing as the two teachers while Faith Blogg and Chris Carroll Fred and Ginger their way through the cinema scene in style.

But the two stars for me were James Crocker as Mr Jack and Catherine Hoggart as Ellen, both of whom act their socks off.