REVIEW:
Bombed Out!
Dynamo Youth Theatre
New Theatre Royal,
Portsmouth

WHILE it exhibits its origins as a history teaching resource in its use of sound archive, oral history and sprinkling of historical facts, Dynamo Youth Theatre have crafted a musical extravaganza that mixes challenging subject matter with sheer entertainment value.

A celebration of the indomitable spirit of the people of England, and specifically Pompey, during the Second World War, this new musical explores fear of difference set against the background I of the war, evacuation and friendship strained by nationality and class.

Confidently performed by an impressive, and size- able, cast of youngsters, the piece captivated its mixed audience of very young to old. The production was blessed with strong performances from its leads as well as some .. outstanding musical performances. An unexpected show stopper was Stan the ARP man, performed with great gusto and aplomb. This was musical entertainment and ensemble playing at its best.

Karen Robson

Daily Echo - 7/1/08

Congratulations and thank you for a superb, absorbing evening.

What a wonderful piece. It was all there; it was humorous, poignant, thought-provoking, it covered all the human aspects of the war and was profoundly touching.

You were all amazing. What a privilege it must be to work with the likes of John Gleadall, Andrew Bowker and, no doubt, many other stalwarts of the community. Please, always remember the skills these amazing people have taught you, the time they have given for you and how they have inspired you. Do try to pass this on to future generations.

To: John, Andrew and co. - NEVER underestimate the great value you add to these young people's lives and what good grounding you give them to become hard-working, disciplined, responsible adults. Oh, how I wish Dynamo had existed in my day.

All good wishes for the final performances and I look forward to the next production.

Wendy Adams Evans
Performance Interactive Pursuits

Congratulations on another superb performance, it took our breath away - well done everybody

From David and Jay Porter

Dear Andrew,

Many apologies that this note is so long overdue. You did a terrific job on 'Bombed Out' and your enthusiasm and your talented team were a great tribute to your work and vision. Congratulations.

This was real education not just in Theatre but in History and most importantly, Life! There was so much to challenge and to think about and the insight into WW2 was an invaluable one on many levels. I was impressed too at the collaborative effort in trust, interdependence and teamwork, again invaluable abilities to have nurtured. In addition to all this, it was a compelling and entertaining theatrical experience for each member of the audience! Thank you.

I hope you are taking any opportunity you can to recharge through this gloomy January term. You must have had precious little time for yourself over Christmas!

May 2009 prove happy and rewarding for you.

With warm good wishes,

Elaine Bevis

I have been meaning to write since last Friday to say how much I enjoyed the show at the New Theatre Royal.

I felt it was very much revisiting my youth, from attending a panto at the theatre to recalling the war days in Pompey. I congratulate all concerned on the production. The writer had certainly put in a lot of research with so much of the dialogue ringing true.

It was a difficult score and I thought the young cast coped very well and hit just the right note. I thought the little lad that sang 'lonely' was excellent - he was so confident and could go far if he wanted to I feel.

I was telling Pauline, my friend across the road, all about it - both she and her husband came from Pompey - he was at Portsmouth Grammar - the school mentioned several times He however went to Scotland with his mother to join his father who was stationed in the Navy there. Pauline was evacuated to Winchester. I was surprised to hear in the script mention of the Blue Anchor Pub in North End (where I used to live) which was destroyed by a direct hit in July 1940. The whole family who ran it were killed including the daughter who went to the same dancing school as I did. Small world isn't it?.

I bet young Ben was tired by the time the last performance was over — It was a very adventurous production and considering the age of the cast it was a most commendable effort. The audience had every reason to show their appreciation.

Betty
Bognor Regis