Year 11 and Sixth Form students gave a memorable performance of Kindertransport in the Drama Studio last Friday and Saturday night.

This intimate performance involving eight girls, which was directed by Head of Drama, Mrs Howe, told the story of 10,000 Jewish children from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia arriving in Britain in 1938 and being adopted by foster families. 

The children were hastily sent on trains but as war broke out in 1939, it soon emerged they were likely to never see their biological parents again.

Written by Diane Samuels, the play is told through the eyes of Eva, a 9-year-old who leaves Berlin for Manchester. Eva becomes naturalised as English and adopted by her foster parents, the Milers. Past and present intertwine in the play, as Eva, now Evelyn in her 50s and with a daughter of her own, Faith, sees her having to confront a past she wishes to forget.

Mrs Howe said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the girls for performing a challenging play that is so emotionally sensitive. 

“It was important to tackle Eva’s story, as it’s one that resonates so closely with today’s humanitarian crisis.”

Next term’s performance will see the girls act out The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.