Talented cast takes you on ship's fateful voyage
IN slightly less time than it took the Titanic to sink, Class Act Junior Theatre opened a porthole on a fictional account of children aboard the ship of dreams.
Dreams that became nightmares and on that fateful night, one in two children perished in the Atlantic's icy waters.
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spirited performances: A scene from Children Of The Titanic, performed by Class Act Junior Theatre.
So much for the unwritten rule of women and children first.
The script, written by Classic Act principal David Wrightam, perhaps draws inspiration from Mark Twain's The Prince And The Pauper.
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It presents a chance encounter between children travelling first and third class who, fascinated by each other's lives, swap clothes in order to explore beyond the social divide.
Under the directorial guidance of Rob Bishop, the cast of 6 to 10-year-olds delivered a spirited performance; with a little support from a few older actors.
Through their character's eyes, they reminded us that children possess a non-judgemental attitude though one that is not immune to their parents' bias.
The discovery that poor people could actually read or the observation that working hard for little money is what they do, prompted wry laughter.
Inevitably, this was largely an ensemble production, allowing each young actor a cameo contribution, but there were notable performances.
Alex Henderson, as the wise all-knowing Alfie, captured a wisdom beyond his character's years, while Jade O'Reilly, as his sister Bella, reflected familial tenderness.
Alicia Ellis, as the bookish Grace, personified her character's name and Connor Wood was brimming with excitable wonderment as Lawrence.
Unfortunately, the ending to this story was never in doubt, but in this centenary year, it was a poignant reminder that, as so often throughout history, children are the innocent victims.
Trevor Ekins
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