THE tale of four refugee children, whose homes have been destroyed, trekking across war-torn Europe in search and safety and a better life was movingly portrayed in Bude Youth Theatre’s latest production, presented in the John Ward Hall at Budehaven Community School from March 14 to 17, writes Christine Williams.

Entitled ‘The Silver Sword’, it was a musical adaptation of a children’s classic written by Ian Serraillier and directed by Richard Wolfenden-Brown.

The prologue in which the cast address the audience and invite them in song to listen to ‘stories etched on our faces’ presents the theme of the play and leads the audience into a tragic story of loss and hope.

The Nazis have invaded Poland and viewers see children in a classroom, in front of a picture of Hitler, who are compelled to learn their lessons entirely in German. Soon after, the headmaster, Joseph Balicki, is arrested for hiding the picture and is taken to a prison camp.

When his wife, Margrit, is also taken away, their three children, Ruth, Edek and Bronia, escape across the rooftops and begin their long and hazardous journey across war-torn Europe.

They meet Jan, a ragged orphan with a paperknife that they recognise as belonging to their father and this silver sword becomes a symbol of hope that one day they will be reunited with their parents.

Josie Miller plays the determined elder sister Ruth who ‘learns to be a mother’ and keeps her family together whatever the hardships. Dan Ellis plays her brother Edek who suffers from TB, yet despite his weakness, he is resolved to make it to Switzerland.

Bobbo Peers plays Jan, an orphan who is simply looking to survive and ‘is not scared of anyone’. Despite his rough edges he has a gentler side in his love of animals and proves to be a staunch friend. Zosia Peers appears as Bronia, the younger sister and Rhys Doyle and Daisy Covell play their parents.

Apart from the main characters, the other actors play multiple roles from Nazi officers, Russian soldiers, an American GI to refugees, peasants, soup dispensing cooks, even an escaped chimp and bring to life an action packed drama of great energy and poignancy.

On a bare stage with a few simple props the well-drilled cast combine to create a haystack, a moving train, an American lorry and a fast flowing river. Old photographs of battle-scarred cities and countless child refugees are displayed on a screen providing a distressing backdrop to the drama and high volume sound effects of air raids are very realistic.

For this production talented 17-year-old musical director and accompanist, Thomas Marples and Richard Wolfenden-Brown created some original songs, which greatly enhance the atmosphere and emotion of play. Solos by Bobbo, Zosia, Daisy, Josie Miller, Dan Ellis, Annie Ellis and Erin Wright and ensemble singing of the whole cast provide some of the most touching and stirring moments in the play.

At times the score encapsulates the cultures of different countries with a Polish dance and hints of ‘The star spangled banner’. Choreography was by Clare Collingham and thanks went to the stage crew and large team of helpers and supporters who made the production possible.

What makes this play, written in the 1950s, so meaningful is its relevance to the 21st century world. The images on the screen of the destroyed cities and child refugees are identical to the images of Syria seen daily on TV screens.

Appropriately the proceeds of a raffle and interval refreshments are going to support the Bude Refugee Group.

Bude Youth Theatre has created 22 productions over the past 19 years. It is open to all young people aged nine to 18, who can demonstrate the necessary enthusiasm and commitment that is essential for creating theatre as part of a group. New members are welcome for a specially commissioned new play to be performed next year. Call 01288 356537 for further information or email [email protected]