The senior production, At Break of Day, has been taking place this week, with tickets still available for Friday and Saturday's performance. The piece explores the journey of two soldiers making their way home from war, encountering many different people along the way. One of the soldiers records his experiences in a notebook. The performance, which is based on the script by Noel Greig, sees Year 13 pupil Angus Meldrum and Year 11 pupil Will Parton take on the parts of the two soldiers, ably supported by a fantastic cast of actors.
It may sound like a fairly straightforward war time play, but the emotive and moving script offers so much more than that. The two soldiers appear to be unlimited to an exact time or war; not belonging to any specific time and wearing costumes that could have been from a host of different wars, the play cleverly depicts a history of atrocities, and the struggle of human survival in the face of conflict. The piece carefully avoids specific mention of location and time, suggesting that the essence of humanity, and people’s vulnerability in the times of war is a truth universally recognised. 
Whilst this dark and disturbing tale is unfolding before the audience’s eyes, there is yet another strand interwoven into the plot. One of the soldier’s great grandson, who has found the notebook so precious to the soldier during his travels home, is on a journey to learn about the history of his family. Played by Will Bailey, the young man is taken hostage along the way, and learns of his captor’s struggles.
The play presents an absurd universe where time and place shift alarmingly, and is haunted by the echoes of great disasters and great hopes, great poetry and great sorrow. The depth and poignancy of the play is clear to everyone, and the actors tackle the challenging roles with maturity. A packed audience each night has left the theatre incredibly moved, and there is still the chance to see the play. Please click here for more information and for tickets.
