Classic tale of evacuees in the Welsh countryside

Carrie’s War by Nina Bawden is coming to The Capitol, Horsham, on Thursday, June 12.
Carrie's WarCarrie's War
Carrie's War

When the Second World War air raids threaten their safety in the city, Carrie Willow and her brother Nick are evacuated to a small village in the Welsh countryside.

Billeted with the kind but timid Auntie Lou and her miserly brother, Mr Evans, the children quickly learn that this is a place unlike any they have ever known and begin to discover the joys, and terrors, the countryside possesses.

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From the whispering woods of Druid’s Grove to the harvest fields, the children get to know and love their new world and the characters that inhabit it; the aging, glamorous Mrs Gotobed, Mr Johnny, who speaks a language all of his own, and Hepzibah Green, the mysterious housekeeper with her tales of magic and wonder and a terrifying curse.

The show features a strong ensemble cast, including John Griffiths (Entertaining Mr Sloane – Curve; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – national tour; The Sound of Music – Palladium) as Mr Evans, Nova Skipp (Aspects of Love – Prince of Wales and tour; Phantom of the Opera – Her Majesty’s) as Auntie Lou and Amanda Reed (The History Boys – The National; When we Are Married – Garrick) as Hepzibah Green.

Director Tim Astley said: “As a company we set out to tell classic stories and the period of World War II is full of them.

“We wanted to do something that hadn’t been done on stage a lot, and this adaptation having been performed only once on tour before seemed the perfect fit.

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“As with many of our previous shows the production is a true ensemble piece featuring a real cast of characters that helps create the world of village life during World War II.

“It’s a story that has held strong for over forty years and we hope in bringing it to life we will contribute to its continued popularity for another forty.”

A show for the whole family, Carrie’s War will enthral audiences young and old – from those with memories of reading the book as a child, to those discovering it for the first time.

Tickets cost £17, concessions £14 (£10 schools with one free teacher per ten students – direct from the Box Office). Call 01403 750220 or visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com.

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