We'll Meet Again (Youth Theatre)

'We'll Meet Again' is a touching production following a group of British children as they try their best to escape from London during the Second World War; it will stir every type of emotion.

The opening scene tugs at your heart strings as wives part from their husbands, and girlfriends from their boyfriends as the men leave to join the armed forces; 'We'll Meet Again' follows. A siren takes you by surprise, and the scene evolves into a classroom where Miss Reynolds and her students keep their spirits high as they sing 'Air Raid.' Eventually, the ear-piercing sound fades out and Miss Reynolds instructs the children to put on their gas masks; some are more successful than others! This comical scene escalates with the boys attempting to ‘dance like gazelles’ to 'Sir Roger de Coverley' and the girls have high expectations which unfortunately fall flat. As the air raid warning sounds again, a reprise of 'Air Raid' is sung.

The following scene occurs at a railway station, and after Chamberlain's speech persuading parents to send their children to the country, a number of interactions between families follow. 'Now is the Time to Say Goodbye' is sung and the emotional exchanges are sure to produce tears as children are desperate to stay behind. Finally, the children arrange themselves in lines ready to embark on their 'adventure' and 'Now is the Time to say Goodbye' is repeated.

The arrival of the evacuees in the countryside is uplifting as there is a sense of excitement about the possibilities for the future. The children are handed their rations, and line up in preparation for an inspection for possible 'city nits' and 'dirty ears' and the indignation of the children is comical to watch; during the inspection 'I'll Take That One' is sung by the villagers. A crisis emerges as another group of evacuees enter, just as the villagers thought they had managed to house them all! Amusing dialogue is shared between the Barfoot and Teacher, both of whom insist the other is in the wrong; eventually the teacher wins the battle…As the children wait for the problem to be sorted, 'Pastimes and Playtimes' is sung.

The following scene sees two evacuees; Terence and Ronald discuss their new homes with little enthusiasm but try to keep their spirits high during 'Life Goes On.' After a few teasing comments from country kids, the children play together happily whilst an evacuee, Margaret, attempts to write a letter home during 'Dear Mum and Dad.'

A sudden change of atmosphere occurs as the next scene sees the children back at home in London. They discuss the previous events as a 'Phoney War' and appear disheartened at being home with nothing to do and hearing explosions every night. However, the parents represent the stereotypical attitude of the British, and the older members of the audience will appreciate the patriotic 'Stiff Upper Lip.' However, the patriotism is drowned out by a siren and as night falls, several families gather together in the shelter. Unfortunately, they are interrupted by the Warden who tells them of a bomb that has landed silently nearby and urges them to evacuate the area as soon as possible. The characters appear disheartened as they realise things can only get worse and are faced with the realisation of having to send their children away again.

However, the audience do not remain saddened for long, as the appearance of a child called Brian with a 'sort of Welsh accent' welcomes the children to their second home in the countryside. Unable to understand his accent, the following scene provides some light relief for the audience. The children are quickly welcomed into their new homes, but some are astonished at their new routine, having to share a bath with six other children! It is appropriate that 'Bathnight Blues' should follow.

After a few screams from back stage, indicating that the children have stepped into the cold water, some of the other evacuees enter with their new friends and participate in harmless fun as they mimic their new head teacher. However, this fun turns out to be not so harmless when he overhears, (a lesson to all children!) 'Pastimes and Playtimes' is repeated.

The play returns to Terence and his new family where they are preparing for a visit from Auntie May. Unfortunately, no one looks forward to her coming and her early arrival causes everyone to get in a flap! However the attention is soon taken off Auntie May when Terence receives a letter from home that is full of bad news and forces him to return.

Luckily, this emotional rollercoaster of a production ends on a high as the cast celebrate the end of the war. The audience discover that Terence’s news was not as bad as it seemed and everyone is happy to be back with their families. The stage is full of decorations, smiles and reunions and 'We'll Meet Again' ends the show on a high.