Synopsis:

This apparently simple tale relates the activities of seven-year-olds on a summer afternoon during World War II. The children (all played by adult actors) and their world become a microcosm of adult interaction. Willie tags along as burly Peter bullies Raymond and is challenged by fairminded John. Audrey is over-shadowed by Angela's prettiness and wreaks her angry frustrations on the boys. All of them gang up on the terrified `Donald Duck' who, abused by his mother and ridiculed by his peers, plays his own dangerous game of pyromania.....

BHTC NOTES: Setting the play in the round within our own relatively small theatre was a bold and imaginary step, but which added hugely to the atmosphere as the smell of rotting tree stumps, bark, leaves and mushroom compost filled the air. The barn (set on the stage) had folding doors and collapsing props for the end burning barn scene, which Jamie Todd won the best scenery design for, in the annual Mid Sussex Times Awards. (see below).