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THE BARE BONES
Wimborne Community Theatre
and Child Okeford Half-Term Holiday Youth Workshop
Hambledon Hill
Wimborne
June 2003

OVER the years I have reviewed performances in mainstream theatres, village halls, local parks and country house grounds. Never, until now, have I had to do so by climbing one of the steepest hills in Dorset – a steep 30-minute trek - and carrying my own chair as well.
But it was worth every step of the way, and not just for the wonderful views from the summit of this beauty spot north of Blandford.
The natural amphitheatre created by earthworks provided a stunning setting for this open-air production, which was researched, devised and performed by members of WCT and Child Okeford Half-Term Holiday Youth Drama Workshop.
Through movement, words and music the hill’s history, both imaginary and factual, was brought to life by a 30-strong black-clad, white-faced cast. Told through the stories of the hill’s archetypes – monster, fool, soldier and poet - , the scenarios varied from the depiction of ancient burials and the subsequent picking over of bones by birds to the play of Celtic children and the use of the hill by the Romans, Cromwell and General Wolfe.
If only school history lessons had had the reality and enjoyment of this fascinating and extremely well-put-together production.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
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