Blue Remembered Hills

This play was new to me but after some initial research prior to attending Clavering’s production, I realised it was not going to be a straightforward case of watching children playing in the woods.  Instead we are given a thought provoking insight into the lives of a group of seven year olds during the summer of 1943, when Britain was in the grip of the Second World War.

These children have witnessed lives being torn apart by fathers going to war and mothers trying to keep things going at home. To borrow words from the programme, keeping the home fires burning.  Some of the children appear unaffected, others are the victims of domestic unrest brought about by the uncertain times in which they are living.

As the stage lit up we were treated to wonderfully authentic looking scenery depicting a forest on three sides with logs and fallen leaves, old fencing and a gate. An idyllic setting in which our six children can enact their role playing, except, although the characters are children they are played by adults. This was done to such excellent effect that as I increasingly immersed myself into the play I found myself  believing I was actually watching  seven year olds.

Written by Dennis Potter and taking its title from AE Houseman’s A Shropshire Lad, Blue Remembered Hills was originally shown on television before being adapted for the stage. It is set in The Forest of Dean and calls for a strong West Country accent. To my ears this was very well adopted throughout.

All the actors deserve equal praise.  Peter Clyne as the fidgety Willie, Peter Simmonds as bossy Peter, Judy Curry, once again taking on a male role, as John.  Charlotte Foster and Teresa Hennessy as friends Angela and Audrey and Sue Grant as Raymond.  As is often the case in amateur Societies, the absence of men means that female actors have to step in where appropriate and in this production it worked very well. The character who tugged at the heart strings was of course Donald.  With a bloodied face, holes in his pullover, torn shirt and no shoes how could we not be saddened by his story.  Very well played by Mark Dymond.

This is at times a rather dark and somewhat disturbing play with a tragic ending and I think the audience could have been given a little more time to fully comprehend what they had just witnessed before the cast took their bows.

However, that’s a minor point and just a personal observation. 

Congratulations to Jennifer Scott-Reid, not only on her excellent direction but also her work in the costume and lighting departments. The costumes were very much of this make-do and mend time in our history and the lighting beautifully complimented the action.

Another excellent production from Clavering Players.  Thank you for inviting me.

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