Wootton Bassett has been the inspiration for a drama by youngsters from a mining village in South Wales.
A new production by Caerphilly County Youth Theatre, entitled Bassett, opened at Blackwood Miners’ Institute on Monday. It closes tomorrow night.
The story begins at lunchtime in a Wootton Bassett classroom, where pupils have been locked in by a supply teacher.
Tensions mount as they are keen to get out and attend a repatriation ceremony for a soldier who lost his life fighting for his country.
Director Tony Gallagher said the timing of Bassettt was pertinent because the conflict in Afghanistan was going on, with constant ‘in your face’ reminders.
He said: “Cast members feel pupils at the school in Wootton Bassett are in a unique and perhaps at times, surreal situation compared to other pupils in other schools across the UK, because although they are thousands of miles away from war torn Afghanistan, they are constantly reminded of what is happening each time there is the repatriation of a soldier.”
Mr Gallagher hopes the play will encourage audience members to think of the effects constant reminders of war have on youngsters.
The production has been in association with National Theatre Connections 2011.
Tickets are available on 01495227206 or blackwoodminersinstitute.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here