This production was performed at the QEH Theatre, Bristol and Kingswood Theatre, Bath
One of Potter's best known and best loved plays, Blue Remembered Hills follows the adventures of a group of 7 year olds one summer's day in war-time Britain - 1943. They fight, they play, they argue, bully, romp, joke and cry - but these 7 year olds are all played by adults.
Potter intended that by using this device an audience could "see innocence shot through with experience, the naivety of childhood juxtaposed with the awareness of adulthood." Throughout Blue Remembered Hills the audience is drawn into the totally convincing world of childhood but see with horror, through adult eyes, that the cruelties, alliances, manipulations and, yes, tragedies endured at 7 are no different to those experienced at 27, 47 or 67.
The play is set in the Forest of Dean (Potter's childhood home) and will be staged in the round to create the perfect claustrophobic atmosphere for the 5 boys and 2 girls to meet and play. As their story unfolds in the constant shadow of wartime activities the children indulge their own war against the fearful and tearful Donald whose tragic experiments with matches in the barn lead to the chilling and thought-provoking climax to the play.
Next Stage also toured Blue Remembered Hills to Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, in March 2001.
“The Next Stage Theatre Company put on an impressive performance, the adults playing the part of children perfectly.”
Cast:
Rehearsal Photographs:
