It was clear from the chilling title that there’s be few laughs in this play, but the absorbing script, perfect casting and interesting set combined to keep us hanging on every word. Beautifully directed by Jan Wilson, the play dealt with the transportation of Jewish children from Germany to England just before the Second World War and the immediate and subsequent emotional turmoil.
The story continually flitted from past to present, which can be confusing, but it was achieved with seamless perfection. The central character, Eva Schlesinger, appeared as both child and adult, played by Rebecca Humphrey and Liz Clarke respectively. Both were totally convincing. The former gave a most moving performance as the petrified child who resented being separated from her family; the latter, now a mother herself, still struggling with the past.
Alison Kennerdell as Eva’s mother, Helga, expertly created a rather sad character, whose motherly care was misinterpreted as cruelty. and her action was the crux of the piece. Sarah Parker was excellent as Faith, Eva’s own daughter, who refused to let her mother’s past rest, echoing Eva’s own frustrations. Maggie Kirk was lovely as Lil, Eva’s peace-making English north-country ‘mother’. And in total contrast was Simon Palmer as The Rat-Catcher – the eponymous book character who lured children away from home with his music. His creepy delivery even had me quaking. (edited from Gordon’s Birch’s review in the Harborough Mail. Photographs by John Harrison)
Photos by John Harrison